Definition

Adjective: * Kind, gentle, and benevolent: Describes a person, especially an elder, who possesses a naturally gentle, patient, and loving character, often showing deep affection and indulgence toward younger people or subordinates. It implies a combination of goodness and tender care.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bà ấy là một người mẹ hiền từ. (She is a gentle and kind mother.)
  • Ông giáo già nhìn học trò bằng ánh mắt hiền từ. (The old teacher looked at his students with a kind and benevolent gaze.)
  • Tính cách hiền từ của ông chủ khiến nhân viên rất mến mộ. (The boss's gentle and indulgent nature makes his staff admire him greatly.)

Advanced Usage

• "hiền từ như bụt": as kind and gentle as a Buddha; used to describe someone of exceptional, saintly kindness.
  • Cụ bà trong xóm hiền từ như bụt, ai cũng quý. (The old lady in the neighborhood is as kind as a Buddha, everyone loves her.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hiền lành (adj): Good-natured, gentle, and harmless. This word focuses more on a mild, inoffensive nature.
  • Con chó đó trông rất hiền lành. (That dog looks very gentle.)
• Nhân từ (adj): Benevolent, charitable, compassionate. This word carries a stronger connotation of active kindness and mercy, often in a broader, more formal, or virtuous context.
  • Một vị vua nhân từ. (A benevolent king.)
• Từ ái (adj): Loving-kindness, compassionate. A more literary or formal term for deep affection and mercy.
  • Tấm lòng từ ái. (A heart full of loving-kindness.)

Synonyms

• Độ lượng: Magnanimous, generous in forgiving.
• Khoan dung: Tolerant, lenient.
• Dịu dàng: Soft, gentle, tender (often in manner or voice).

Notes on Different Meanings

The core meaning of "hiền từ" consistently revolves around a gentle and kind disposition. Its specific nuance is the combination of inherent goodness (hiền) with affectionate, often indulgent, care (từ). It is most aptly used to describe elders (parents, grandparents, teachers) or figures of authority who are not strict but rather nurturing. It is less commonly used for peers or inanimate objects.

adj

1. indulgent