Definition

1. Noun:

   • Villain; scoundrel; evildoer: A person who is deceitful, dishonest, and acts in an immoral or treacherous way, often for personal gain or to harm others. This term strongly implies wickedness and a lack of moral principles.

2. Adjective (archaic/formal):

   • Treacherous; villainous: Describing actions or behavior that are deceitful and grossly unfair or criminal.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tên gian phi đó đã bị bắt. (That villain has been arrested.)
  • Bọn gian phi cướp ngân hàng đang bị truy nã. (The gang of scoundrels who robbed the bank are being hunted.)
• Adjective:
  • Hành động gian phi của hắn không thể tha thứ. (His villainous action is unforgivable.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "gian phi" is often used in formal, literary, or historical contexts, such as in legal descriptions, classical literature, or news reports about serious crimes. It carries a stronger moral condemnation than more common words like "kẻ xấu" (bad person).

Variants and Related Words

• Gian (adj): Deceitful, cunning.
• Phi (in this compound): Often implies "not righteous" or "unlawful." As a standalone word, "phi" can mean "to fly" or "non-," but in "gian phi," it contributes to the meaning of wrongdoing.
• Gian ác (adj): Malicious, wicked.
• Phản nghịch (adj): Rebellious, traitorous.

Synonyms

• Villain: A person guilty of or involved in crime or wickedness.
• Scoundrel: A dishonest or unscrupulous person.
• Rogue: A dishonest or unprincipled man.
• Evildoer: A person who does evil or harmful acts.

Related Idioms

• Gian phi đạo tặc: A fixed phrase meaning "villains and bandits," used to describe a collective of thoroughly wicked and lawless people.
  • Lãnh địa đó đầy rẫy gian phi đạo tặc. (That territory is full of villains and bandits.)