hiền thần
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A virtuous and capable minister/official: In historical and literary contexts, a "hiền thần" refers to a court official or minister who is both morally upright (loyal, righteous) and competent (talented, wise). This term is used to praise exemplary figures who served their ruler and country with integrity and skill.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Trong lịch sử, Nguyễn Trãi được xem là một vị hiền thần của vua Lê Thái Tổ. (In history, Nguyễn Trãi is considered a virtuous and capable minister of King Lê Thái Tổ.)
- Nhà vua luôn trọng dụng những bậc hiền thần để giúp nước an dân. (The king always valued and employed virtuous and capable officials to help stabilize the country and bring peace to the people.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "hiền thần" is primarily used in historical, literary, or formal contexts when discussing feudal dynasties. It is an archaic/classical term.
- It often appears in contrast with terms like "gian thần" (treacherous/officious courtier) or "nịnh thần" (sycophantic courtier).
Variants and Related Words
- Hiền tài (n): Virtuous and talented person (a broader term not limited to court officials).
- "Hiền tài là nguyên khí quốc gia." (Virtuous and talented people are the vital spirit of the nation.)
- Trung thần (n): Loyal minister/subject (emphasizes loyalty more than talent).
- Lương thần (n): Good/official (similar meaning, but less common in classical texts).
Synonyms
- Virtuous minister
- Capable and righteous official
- Loyal and talented courtier (archaic)
Related Idioms
- Vua sáng, tôi hiền: (A wise king and virtuous ministers.) This idiom describes an ideal state of governance where a wise ruler is served by capable and upright officials. "Hiền thần" is implied in "tôi hiền".
- Thời kỳ thịnh trị thường là thời kỳ của "vua sáng, tôi hiền". (A prosperous era is often one of "a wise king and virtuous ministers".)
- Talented and righteous subject