hạ đường
Definition
- Verb phrase (historical/literary):
- To demote from the main hall to the courtyard: A classical allusion describing the act of abandoning or casting aside one's wife who shared hardships with one during times of poverty, after achieving wealth and high status. It signifies profound ingratitude and disloyalty.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Câu chuyện "Tao khang chi thê bất hạ đường" dạy về lòng chung thủy. (The story "One does not demote the wife who shared poverty" teaches about loyalty.)
- Hành động hạ đường vợ cả bị xã hội lên án. (The act of demoting the first wife was condemned by society.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is almost exclusively used in historical, literary, or proverbial contexts to discuss classical Chinese-Vietnamese moral tales or to metaphorically criticize betrayal.
- Trong văn hóa, "hạ đường" là một hình ảnh ẩn dụ cho sự phụ bạc. (In culture, "hạ đường" is a metaphor for betrayal.)
Word Origin and Context
- The term originates from a famous Chinese historical anecdote involving Song Hong (Tống Hoằng) and Emperor Han Guangwu (Hán Quang Vũ). Song Hong refused the emperor's implied suggestion to divorce his poor, old wife for a new marriage, stating the principle: "One does not demote the wife who shared coarse food (poverty) with him."
- "Bất hạ đường" (not to demote) is the more common positive form of the phrase, representing the virtuous ideal of loyalty.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Tao khang chi thê bất hạ đường: (Idiom) A wife who shared poverty and coarse food (with you) should not be cast aside. This is the full, proverbial expression emphasizing marital fidelity and gratitude.
- Ông ấy giữ đạo "tao khang chi thê bất hạ đường". (He upheld the principle of "not casting aside the wife who shared his poverty.")
Synonyms
- To abandon: to leave completely and desert.
- To cast aside: to discard or reject someone, especially after using their support.
- To be ungrateful: to not show thanks for kindness or help received.
Antonyms
- To remain faithful: to stay loyal.
- To cherish: to protect and care for lovingly.
- Bất hạ đường: (the negation) not to demote; to honor one's original spouse.