Definition

1. Adjective (archaic/literary):
   • Generous, magnanimous: Describes a person's character as kind, tolerant, and forgiving, often implying a noble and benevolent nature.
   • Benevolent, kind-hearted: Suggests a deep-seated goodness and a gentle, compassionate disposition.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông ấy là một vị quan khoan hậu. (He was a magnanimous mandarin.)
  • Tấm lòng khoan hậu của bà khiến mọi người kính trọng. (Her benevolent heart earned everyone's respect.)
  • Tính cách khoan hậu là đức tính quý. (A generous character is a precious virtue.)

Advanced Usage

• This word is primarily used in literary, historical, or formal contexts to describe virtuous character, often of historical figures, elders, or leaders. It conveys a sense of dignified kindness.

Variants and Related Words

• Khoan dung (adj): tolerant, lenient. Focuses more on forgiveness and acceptance of faults.
  • Cha mẹ nên khoan dung với con cái. (Parents should be tolerant with their children.)
• Nhân hậu (adj): kind-hearted, humane. A more common modern synonym.
  • Bà ấy là một người rất nhân hậu. (She is a very kind-hearted person.)

Synonyms

• Magnanimous: generous and forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.
• Benevolent: well-meaning and kindly.
• Generous: showing a readiness to give more of something than is strictly necessary.

Related Idioms

• Lòng khoan hậu: a magnanimous heart.
  • Vị vua cai trị bằng lòng khoan hậu. (The king ruled with a magnanimous heart.)
• Đức khoan hậu: the virtue of magnanimity/generosity.
  • Đức khoan hậu là nền tảng của sự hòa thuận. (The virtue of magnanimity is the foundation of harmony.)

1. (cũ) Generous, magnanimous