hành khiển
Definition
- Noun (Historical):
- Grand dignitary of the court: A high-ranking official or mandarin in the historical imperial court of Vietnam, often entrusted with significant administrative or ceremonial duties.
- Commissioner / Envoy: An official appointed to execute a specific command or duty on behalf of the sovereign.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Nhà vua bổ nhiệm một vị hành khiển mới. (The king appointed a new grand dignitary.)
- Vị hành khiển ấy phụ trách việc tiếp đón sứ thần. (That commissioner was in charge of receiving the envoy.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is archaic and is primarily encountered in historical texts, literature, or discussions about Vietnam's feudal administrative system. It conveys a sense of high authority and royal mandate.
Variants and Related Words
- Quan hành khiển (n): A more explicit term meaning "the mandarin acting as commissioner."
- Chức hành khiển (n): The title or office of a grand dignitary.
Synonyms
- Mandarin: A high-ranking official in historical Chinese or Vietnamese imperial courts.
- Dignitary: A person holding a high rank or office.
- Commissioner: An official in charge of a specific government department or duty.
Related Idioms
- While not a common idiom itself, the word may appear in classical Vietnamese idioms or proverbs related to courtly duty and authority, such as references to carrying out the king's will ().