Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To observe one's duty; to be dutiful: To act in accordance with one's responsibilities, obligations, or the proper conduct expected in a given role or situation.
   • To observe discipline; to be disciplined: To follow rules, maintain order, and exercise self-control.
   • To observe politeness; to be polite: To adhere to social etiquette and show respect in behavior and speech.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Là một binh sĩ, anh ấy luôn giữ phép. (As a soldier, he always observes discipline.)
  • Dù không có ai nhìn, cô ấy vẫn giữ phép và hoàn thành công việc đúng hạn. (Even though no one was watching, she still did her duty and completed the work on time.)
  • Trong buổi lễ trang trọng, mọi người đều giữ phép, nói chuyện nhỏ nhẹ. (At the formal ceremony, everyone observed proper decorum, speaking softly.)

Advanced Usage

• This phrase often implies a conscious, internalized commitment to proper conduct, not just external compliance. It suggests a sense of personal integrity and respect for order, duty, or social norms.
• It is commonly used in contexts involving hierarchy, tradition, or formal settings (e.g., military, family, ceremonies, workplace).

Variants and Related Words

• Giữ gìn (verb): To preserve, to maintain (often used for abstract concepts like tradition, order, or reputation).
  • Chúng ta phải giữ gìn nề nếp gia đình. (We must preserve family traditions.)
• Tuân thủ (verb): To comply with, to adhere to (rules, laws). This is more about strict obedience to external regulations.
  • Người tham gia giao thông phải tuân thủ luật lệ. (Traffic participants must comply with the law.)
• Kỷ luật (noun): Discipline.
  • Lớp học này có kỷ luật rất tốt. (This class has very good discipline.)

Synonyms

• Làm tròn bổn phận: To fulfill one's duty.
• Giữ kỷ luật: To maintain discipline.
• Giữ lễ phép: To observe politeness (often used for children showing respect to elders).

Related Phrases

• Giữ phép tắc: To observe the rules/proprieties. This is a near-identical variant emphasizing adherence to established norms.
  • Công ty này rất giữ phép tắc. (This company strictly observes the rules.)
• Giữ phép nước: (Archaic/Literary) To observe the laws of the state; to be a law-abiding citizen.
  • Làm dân phải biết giữ phép nước. (As citizens, we must know to obey the law.)

Related Idioms

• Trên kính dưới nhường: (Literally: To respect those above and yield to those below). This idiom describes ideal respectful behavior within a hierarchy and is closely related to the concept of giữ phép.
  • Gia đình ấy sống rất hòa thuận, trên kính dưới nhường. (That family lives very harmoniously, with everyone showing proper respect.)

1. Observe one's duty