hiếu nam
Definition
- Noun:
- Filial son: A son who demonstrates exceptional devotion, respect, and care towards his parents, fulfilling his duties according to traditional Confucian values.
- Pious son (archaic): An older, literary term for a dutiful and obedient son, emphasizing religious-like reverence for one's parents.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Trong truyện cổ tích, nhân vật chính thường là một hiếu nam. (In folk tales, the main character is often a filial son.)
- Lòng hiếu thảo của người hiếu nam ấy được cả làng khen ngợi. (The filial piety of that devoted son was praised by the whole village.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept of "hiếu nam" is deeply rooted in the Confucian ideal of "hiếu" (filial piety). It specifically highlights the son's role in the family hierarchy, carrying the responsibility for the parents' well-being and the continuation of the family line.
- In modern Vietnamese, the gender-neutral term "người con hiếu thảo" (a filial child) is more commonly used than the archaic "hiếu nam."
Variants and Related Words
- Hiếu thảo (adj): filial, pious. Describes the quality of being devoted to one's parents.
- Cô ấy là một người con rất hiếu thảo. (She is a very filial child.)
- Hiếu nữ (n, archaic): filial daughter. The female counterpart to "hiếu nam."
- Chữ Hiếu (n): the Confucian concept of filial piety, a fundamental virtue.
Synonyms
- Dutiful son: A son who performs his duties conscientiously.
- Devoted son: A son characterized by great love and loyalty.
Related Idioms
- Trăm thiện hiếu vi tiên: Among all virtues, filial piety comes first. This proverb underscores the paramount importance of filial duty.
- Người xưa dạy "trăm thiện hiếu vi tiên." (The ancients taught that "among all virtues, filial piety is foremost.")