Definition

1. Noun:
   • Impractical or empty literature: Refers to written works, doctrines, or texts that are considered overly theoretical, formalistic, lacking in practical value, or devoid of real substance.
   • Impractical rites or rituals: Refers to formal ceremonies or practices that are seen as mere formalities, obsolete, or disconnected from practical reality.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ta chỉ giỏi viết những thứ hư văn. (He is only good at writing impractical, empty literature.)
  • Những nghi thức ấy giờ đã thành hư văn. (Those rituals have now become impractical formalities.)
  • Đừng nói hư văn, hãy đưa ra giải pháp cụ thể. (Don't speak in empty platitudes; provide concrete solutions.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used critically to dismiss arguments, texts, or customs that are perceived as all form and no substance, or as irrelevant to contemporary practical needs.

Variants and Related Words

• Văn chương hư văn (n): Impractical literature. A more explicit phrase.
• Lý thuyết hư văn (n): Impractical theory. Used for theories considered abstract and inapplicable.

Synonyms

• Empty formalism: Excessive adherence to prescribed forms over practical content.
• Dead letter: A law, rule, or ritual that still exists formally but is no longer observed or effective in practice.
• Platitude: A remark that is overused and reveals a lack of original thought.

Related Idioms

• While "hư văn" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, the concept is central to phrases like:
  • Nói hư văn: To speak in empty, impractical terms.

    • Đừng nói hư văn nữa, hãy bàn chuyện thực tế. (Stop speaking in empty terms; let's discuss practical matters.)

1. Impractical literature, empty literature, high sounding literature
2. Impractical rites, impractical rituals