cụ kị
Definition
- Noun:
- Ancestors / Forefathers: Refers to one's ancestors, typically from several generations back, such as great-grandparents or earlier generations. It denotes a collective or general term for lineage predecessors.
- The Elderly (Archaic/Respectful): In older, more formal contexts, it can be used as a respectful term for very old people.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Gia đình tôi thờ cúng cụ kị. (My family worships our ancestors.)
- Nhà này do cụ kị tôi xây dựng. (This house was built by my forefathers.)
- Kính trọng cụ kị là một truyền thống tốt đẹp. (Respecting ancestors is a beautiful tradition.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in formal, traditional, or ceremonial contexts related to family lineage, worship, and heritage.
Variants and Related Words
- Tổ tiên (n): A more common and direct synonym for "ancestors" or "forebears."
- Ông bà tổ tiên (n): A phrase meaning "grandparents and ancestors," emphasizing the familial line.
- Cụ (n): A respectful term for a very old person, often used as "ông cụ" (old gentleman) or "bà cụ" (old lady). "Cụ kị" can be seen as an extension of this respect to earlier generations.
Synonyms
- Ancestors: A person from whom one is descended.
- Forefathers: Members of past generations, especially those from whom one is descended.
- Forebears: Ancestors.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Cúng cụ kị: To worship/offer rites to ancestors.
- Ngày giỗ là để cúng cụ kị. (The death anniversary is for worshipping ancestors.)
- Nhà thờ cụ kị / Từ đường: Ancestral shrine or worship house.
- Cả dòng họ tụ tập ở nhà thờ cụ kị. (The whole clan gathers at the ancestral shrine.)