Definition

1. Noun:
   • Patrimony; Legacy: The total assets, property, or wealth passed down from one's ancestors or family. It emphasizes inherited material possessions.
   • Fortune; Estate: A substantial accumulation of valuable possessions or money, often inherited.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ấy thừa kế một gia tài đồ sộ từ ông nội. (He inherited a vast fortune from his grandfather.)
  • Gia tài của bà cụ chỉ là căn nhà nhỏ và những kỷ niệm. (The old woman's legacy was just a small house and memories.)
  • Họ tranh chấp gia tài của người cha quá cố. (They are disputing their deceased father's estate.)

Advanced Usage

• The word can be used metaphorically to refer to a non-material inheritance, such as cultural, intellectual, or spiritual heritage.
  • Di sản văn hóa là một gia tài quý giá của dân tộc. (Cultural heritage is a precious legacy of the nation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thừa kế (v): to inherit.
  • Cô ấy thừa kế toàn bộ gia tài. (She inherited the entire estate.)
• Di sản (n): heritage, bequest. Often used for both material and non-material inheritance.
  • Di sản thế giới (World Heritage).

Synonyms

• Inheritance: Property received from an ancestor.
• Heritage: Valued objects and qualities passed down through generations.
• Fortune: A large amount of money or assets.

Related Idioms

• Gia tài không bằng gia phong: Literally, "Family tradition is worth more than family fortune." It means moral values and reputation are more valuable than material inheritance.
  • Ông dạy con cháu: "Gia tài không bằng gia phong". (He taught his descendants: "Family tradition is worth more than family fortune.")

noun

1. patrimony; legacy