cương thường

Definition
  1. Noun (Historical / Philosophical Term):
    • The Three Bonds and Five Constants: The fundamental Confucian moral principles governing human relationships and personal virtues. "Cương" refers to the Three Bonds (ruler-subject, father-child, husband-wife). "Thường" refers to the Five Constant Virtues (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, fidelity).
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Đạo Nho giáo lấy cương thường làm nền tảng. (Confucianism takes the Three Bonds and Five Constants as its foundation.)
    • Xã hội phong kiến đề cao và bảo vệ cương thường. (Feudal society upheld and protected these moral principles.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term is primarily used in historical, philosophical, or literary contexts to discuss traditional East Asian, specifically Confucian, ethical codes.
  • It represents the rigid, hierarchical social order and ethical standards expected in pre-modern Vietnamese society influenced by Confucianism.
Variants and Related Words

  • Tam cương (n): The Three Bonds.

    • Tam cương quy định các mối quan hệ chính trong xã hội. (The Three Bonds dictated the main relationships in society.)

  • Ngũ thường (n): The Five Constant Virtues.

    • Ngũ thường là những đức tính cá nhân cần rèn luyện. (The Five Constants are personal virtues one must cultivate.)
Synonyms
  • Moral principles: The fundamental rules of right conduct.
  • Confucian ethics: The ethical system derived from the teachings of Confucius.
  • Social precepts: Established rules governing social behavior.
Related Concepts
  • Đạo làm người: The way of being a proper person; often synonymous with following "cương thường."
    • Theo Nho giáo, cương thường chính là đạo làm người. (According to Confucianism, the Three Bonds and Five Constants constitute the proper way of being a person.)