kẻ nể
Definition
- Noun:
- Stranger; outsider: A person who is not a relative or kin; someone with whom one has no familial relationship. This term is often used in a dialectal or regional context to denote an individual from outside one's family or close community circle.
- Unrelated person: Emphasizes the absence of blood relation or marital ties.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Trong làng này, anh ta chỉ là một kẻ nể. (In this village, he is just a stranger.)
- Chúng tôi giúp đỡ cả họ hàng lẫn kẻ nể. (We help both relatives and outsiders.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "kẻ nể" carries a nuanced, somewhat archaic or dialectal feel. It can imply a social distance or a distinction between "us" (family/kin) and "them" (non-kin). Its usage might highlight traditional community structures where familial bonds are primary.
Variants and Related Words
Người dưng (n): stranger, unrelated person. A more common synonym in modern Vietnamese.
- Không nên tin tưởng người dưng. (One should not trust strangers.)
Người lạ (n): stranger, unknown person.
- Có một người lạ ở ngoài cổng. (There is a stranger at the gate.)
Synonyms
- Stranger: A person whom one does not know or with whom one is not familiar.
- Outsider: A person who does not belong to a particular group.
Related Idioms
- Kẻ nể người dưng: This phrase reinforces the concept of people who are complete outsiders, having no familial connection.
- Lễ cưới chỉ dành cho họ hàng, không mời kẻ nể người dưng. (The wedding is only for relatives; strangers are not invited.)