Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Respectable, estimable: Describes a person or thing that is worthy of respect and admiration due to their character, achievements, or qualities.
   • Venerable: Describes a person, especially an elderly one, who commands respect because of their age, dignity, or wisdom.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông ấy là một vị giáo sư khả kính. (He is a respectable professor.)
  • Chúng tôi luôn nhớ đến những đóng góp khả kính của các bậc tiền bối. (We always remember the estimable contributions of our predecessors.)
  • Bà lão khả kính ấy đã sống một cuộc đời đức hạnh. (That venerable old lady lived a virtuous life.)

Advanced Usage Notes

• Tone and Register: The word "khả kính" carries a formal and somewhat literary tone. It is not commonly used in everyday casual conversation. Its usage often conveys a high degree of reverence and formality.
• Context: It is typically used in written language, formal speeches, or when referring to esteemed figures such as scholars, elders, or historical personalities.

Variants and Related Words

• Kính trọng (verb): to respect, to hold in high esteem.
  • Học sinh phải kính trọng thầy cô giáo. (Students must respect their teachers.)
• Đáng kính (adjective): respectable, worthy of respect. This is a more common synonym.
  • Người đàn ông đáng kính đó đã giúp đỡ rất nhiều người. (That respectable man helped many people.)

Synonyms

• Đáng trọng: Worthy of respect.
• Đáng kính phục: Admirable, commanding admiration and respect.
• Uy nghiêm: Dignified, majestic (emphasizes dignity and solemnity).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Bậc khả kính: A venerable person, a respectable figure.
  • Buổi lễ có sự tham dự của nhiều bậc khả kính trong làng. (The ceremony was attended by many venerable figures in the village.)
• Tấm lòng khả kính: A respectable heart/intention (used to praise someone's noble intentions).
  • Chúng tôi biết ơn tấm lòng khả kính của quý vị. (We are grateful for your respectable kindness.)

1. (ít dùng) Respectable, estimable, venerable