kế chí
Definition
- Verb:
- To continue someone's will or aspirations: To carry on, fulfill, or realize the unfulfilled ambitions, wishes, or life's work of a predecessor, often a parent or mentor. This term is used in formal or literary contexts and carries a sense of solemn duty and respect.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Anh ấy quyết tâm kế chí cha mình, phát triển cơ nghiệp gia đình. (He is determined to continue his father's will by developing the family business.)
- Người con trai cả có trách nhiệm kế chí của tổ tiên. (The eldest son has the responsibility to carry on the ancestors' aspirations.)
Advanced Usage
- "Kế chí tiền nhân": To continue the will of the predecessors/forefathers.
- Thế hệ trẻ phải biết kế chí tiền nhân, xây dựng đất nước. (The young generation must know how to continue the forefathers' will to build the country.)
Variants and Related Words
- Kế thừa (verb): To inherit (often property, but also ideas, traditions). This is a more common and broader modern term.
- Kế thừa di sản văn hóa. (To inherit a cultural heritage.)
- Nối chí (verb): To follow in someone's footsteps; to carry on someone's ambition. This is a close synonym, slightly less formal than "kế chí".
- Anh ấy nối chí cha, trở thành bác sĩ. (He followed in his father's footsteps to become a doctor.)
- Hoài bão (noun): Ambition, aspiration. This is the "chí" (will/aspiration) that one might "kế" (continue).
Synonyms
- Tiếp nối: To continue, to carry on (a tradition, a career path).
- Thực hiện di nguyện: To fulfill a last wish/bequest.
Notes on Meaning
- Historical/Formal Connotation: "Kế chí" is an archaic or literary term. In modern Vietnamese, "nối chí" or phrases like "thực hiện theo ý nguyện của..." (to act according to the wish of...) are more commonly used in everyday language.
- Cultural Context: This term is deeply rooted in Confucian values, emphasizing filial piety and the duty to honor and complete the life's work of one's parents or elders.