hiền đệ
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun (archaic, literary):
- Dear brother: A term of direct address used by an older brother or an older male to affectionately and respectfully refer to a younger brother or a younger male friend.
Usage Notes
- This term is now considered archaic and is primarily found in classical literature, historical texts, or period dramas. It is not used in modern, everyday conversation.
- It reflects the traditional Confucian values of hierarchy and respect within relationships, where age and seniority are emphasized.
- The speaker uses this term from a position of seniority or elder status.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Hiền đệ, hãy nghe lời huynh. (Dear brother, please listen to your elder brother's words.)
- "Hiền đệ của ta, chuyến đi này nguy hiểm lắm," vị trưởng lão nói. ("My dear brother, this journey is very dangerous," the elder said.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is part of a traditional system of kinship address. It is often paired with "hiền huynh" (dear elder brother) in dialogues between sworn brothers or close male friends in a literary context.
- Hiền huynh và hiền đệ cùng nhau lập nghiệp. (The dear elder brother and the dear younger brother built their careers together.)
Variants and Related Words
- Hiền huynh (n, archaic): Dear elder brother. A term for an older brother or older male friend.
- Hiền muội (n, archaic): Dear younger sister. A term for a younger sister or younger female friend.
- Hiền tỷ (n, archaic): Dear elder sister. A term for an older sister or older female friend.
Synonyms
- Younger brother (in direct address, though without the affectionate/respectful nuance of "hiền").
- Brother (a more general, modern equivalent).
Related Idioms
- Huynh đệ như thủ túc: Brothers are like limbs. An idiom meaning brothers are as close and indispensable as one's own hands and feet.
- Họ thực sự là huynh đệ như thủ túc. (They are truly brothers as close as limbs.)
- (từ cũ; nghĩa cũ) Dear brother (used as adress to a youger brother or friend)