Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Adulterous: Describes a person, typically married, who engages in a sexual relationship with someone other than their spouse. It characterizes the act of adultery itself.
   • Fornicatory / Illicit: Describes an unlawful or morally wrong sexual relationship, not necessarily limited to adultery. It implies a transgression of social or legal norms.

2. Verb (to act in an adulterous/illicit manner):

   • To commit adultery / To fornicate: To engage in an illicit sexual relationship. This usage is less common than the adjectival form but is understood from classical and formal contexts.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Mối quan hệ gian dâm đó đã phá hủy hạnh phúc gia đình họ. (That adulterous relationship destroyed their family's happiness.)
  • Hành vi gian dâm bị lên án trong cộng đồng. (Illicit sexual behavior is condemned by the community.)
• Verb:
  • Kẻ gian dâm sẽ bị trừng phạt. (The one who commits adultery will be punished.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "gian dâm" is strong, formal, and carries heavy moral judgment. It is often found in legal, religious, or classical literary contexts rather than in casual conversation.
• It can function as a noun phrase to mean "the act of adultery/fornication" or "an adulterer/fornicator," depending on the sentence structure.
  • Tội gian dâm. (The sin/crime of adultery.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngoại tình (v/n): The more common, modern term for "to commit adultery" or "adultery." It is widely used in both legal and everyday contexts.
• Thông dâm (v): A formal and legal term meaning "to fornicate" or "to have illicit sexual intercourse."
• Loạn dâm (n): Promiscuity; chaotic or excessive sexual activity.

Synonyms

• Adulterous: Involving adultery.
• Illicit: Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.
• Fornicatory: Relating to fornication (often used in religious contexts).
• Unfaithful: Not loyal to one's spouse or partner.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Gian phu dâm phụ: A classical idiom meaning "an adulterous man and a wanton woman," used to condemn both parties in an illicit relationship.
  • Câu chuyện về đôi gian phu dâm phụ ấy đã trở thành bài học cảnh tỉnh. (The tale of that adulterous couple became a cautionary lesson.)

1. adulterous