Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Upright, straightforward, and principled: Describes a person's character as being firm in their principles, honest, and direct in speech and action, without bending to pressure or dishonesty.
   • Incorruptible and morally firm: Refers to an unwavering commitment to justice and integrity.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông ấy là một người cương trực, luôn nói lên sự thật. (He is an upright person who always speaks the truth.)
  • Tính cách cương trực của bà khiến mọi người nể phục. (Her straightforward character earns everyone's respect.)
  • Một nhà lãnh đạo cần phải cương trực. (A leader needs to be principled.)

Advanced Usage

• "lời nói cương trực": straightforward/upright words.
  • Anh ấy đã có những lời nói cương trực bảo vệ lẽ phải. (He spoke straightforward words to defend what is right.)
• "thái độ cương trực": an upright attitude.
  • Thái độ cương trực của ông trong vụ án đã làm sáng tỏ nhiều điều. (His upright attitude in the case clarified many things.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngay thẳng (adj): Honest, righteous. (Often used interchangeably but can be slightly less intense than "cương trực," which implies firmness against opposition).
• Chính trực (adj): Righteous, just. (Emphasizes correctness and justice).
• Cứng cỏi (adj): Firm, tough. (Focuses on toughness and resilience, often a component of being "cương trực").

Synonyms

• Thẳng thắn: Frank, blunt. (Focuses on directness in speech).
• Trung thực: Honest, truthful.
• Liêm chính: Incorruptible, having integrity.

Antonyms

• Nhu nhược: Weak-willed, spineless.
• Gian xảo: Cunning, deceitful.
• Không ngay thẳng: Dishonest, not straightforward.

Related Idioms

• "Cây ngay không sợ chết đứng": Literally "A straight tree is not afraid of standing dead," meaning an upright person has nothing to fear. This idiom encapsulates the spirit of being "cương trực."
• "Ngay như Bụt": As honest/straight as a Buddha, meaning extremely honest and virtuous.

adj

1. upright