cường thần
Definition
- Noun:
- A powerful or influential minister/official: In historical and political contexts, this term refers to a high-ranking official or minister who holds substantial power and influence, often within a feudal or monarchical system. The power may rival or challenge that of the sovereign.
- A tonic, stimulant (in pharmacology): In medical or pharmaceutical contexts, it refers to a substance that strengthens or stimulates bodily functions, particularly the nervous system or overall vitality.
Usage Examples
Noun (Historical/Political):
- Trong lịch sử, nhiều cường thần đã lấn át quyền lực của vua. (In history, many powerful ministers have overshadowed the king's authority.)
- Ông ta không chỉ là một quan lại mà là một cường thần thực sự. (He was not just an official but a truly powerful minister.)
Noun (Medical):
- Bác sĩ kê đơn một loại cường thần để giúp bệnh nhân phục hồi sức khỏe. (The doctor prescribed a tonic to help the patient recover their health.)
- Thuốc này có tác dụng như một cường thần cho hệ thần kinh. (This medicine acts as a stimulant for the nervous system.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in formal, academic, or literary contexts, especially when discussing history or traditional medicine.
- In modern political commentary, it might be used metaphorically to describe a very powerful, behind-the-scenes political figure.
Variants and Related Words
- Thần (臣): Minister, official. The core character meaning "servant" or "minister."
- Quyền thần (權臣): A powerful/official with great authority. This is a closely related synonym in the political sense.
- Bá chủ (霸主): Hegemon, overlord. Implies dominant power, often through force.
- Thuốc bổ (藥補): Tonic, supplement. A more common general term for tonic in modern Vietnamese.
Synonyms
- Quyền thần: Powerful official/minister.
- Đại thần (大臣): High official, grand minister. (May imply high rank but not necessarily overwhelming power).
- Thuốc bổ trợ thần kinh: Nerve tonic.
- Chất kích thích: Stimulant.
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Cường thần áp chế: (Historical) Describes the situation where powerful ministers suppress or control the monarch.
- Làm cường thần: To act as a powerful minister; to wield power like a powerful minister.