lính lệ
Definition
- Noun:
- Runner / Attendant / Servant: A low-ranking soldier or servant in the traditional Vietnamese mandarin system, whose primary duties were to run errands, carry messages, and perform menial tasks for officials.
- Subordinate Soldier: A generic term for a soldier of the lowest rank in the old administrative and military structure, often serving in a non-combat, supportive role.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Quan huyện sai lính lệ đi truyền tin. (The district mandarin ordered the runner to deliver a message.)
- Những người lính lệ canh giữ ở cổng phủ. (The attendant soldiers guarded the gate of the government office.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "lính lệ" is historical and is primarily used in contexts describing Vietnam's feudal or colonial administrative past. It is not used for modern soldiers.
Variants and Related Words
- Lính tráng (n): A more general, historical term for soldiers or troops.
- Binh lính (n): Soldiers, military personnel.
Synonyms
- Messenger: A person who carries a message.
- Orderly: A soldier assigned to perform routine tasks for a superior officer.
- Attendant: A person employed to provide a service or assist.
Related Idioms
- Làm thân lính lệ: To be in a servile or subservient position.
- Ông ta không muốn làm thân lính lệ cho ai. (He does not want to be in a servile position to anyone.)