cố cựu
Definition
- Adjective:
- Old, long-standing, ancient: Describes something or someone that has existed for a very long time, often implying tradition, age, or established history.
- Veteran, senior: Refers to a person who has been in a position, organization, or field for a very long time, possessing deep experience.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Đó là một ngôi làng cố cựu với nhiều phong tục truyền thống. (That is an old village with many traditional customs.)
- Ông ấy là một nhân viên cố cựu của công ty, đã làm việc ở đây 40 năm. (He is a veteran employee of the company, having worked here for 40 years.)
Advanced Usage
- "cố cựu" vs. "cũ": While both can mean "old," "cố cựu" emphasizes long-standing existence, tradition, or seniority, often with a formal or respectful tone. "Cũ" is more general and neutral, meaning simply "not new."
- một chiếc xe cũ (an old car) - Neutral.
- một gia đình cố cựu (a long-standing family) - Emphasizes lineage and history.
Variants and Related Words
- Cổ (adj): Ancient, antique. Often refers to objects or times from the distant past.
- đồ cổ (antiques)
- Kỳ cựu (adj): Veteran, senior. Very similar in meaning to "cố cựu" when referring to people with long experience.
- chiến binh kỳ cựu (veteran warrior)
Synonyms
- Lâu đời (adj): Long-established, age-old.
- Kỳ cựu (adj): Veteran, old-timer.
- Già dặn (adj): Experienced, seasoned (often for people).
Antonyms
- Mới (adj): New.
- Non trẻ (adj): Young, inexperienced.