Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Clear, bright, luminous: Describes something that emits or reflects light, or is easily seen or understood. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
   • Just, fair, enlightened: Describes a person, judgment, or action that is righteous, impartial, or morally insightful.

2. Noun (Archaic/Literary):

   • The self, I, me: A formal or poetic first-person singular pronoun, often used in classical literature, poetry, or formal declarations.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Lý lẽ rất minh. (The reasoning is very clear.)
  • Một vị quan minh. (An enlightened mandarin.)
• Noun:
  • Minh thề sẽ giữ lời. (I swear to keep my word.)

Advanced Usage

• "minh bạch": transparent, clear, and honest (often regarding procedures or governance).
  • Mọi giao dịch phải minh bạch. (All transactions must be transparent.)
• "minh chứng": clear proof or evidence.
  • Đây là minh chứng cho sự trung thực của anh ta. (This is clear proof of his honesty.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sáng minh (adj): brilliant and wise.
• Công minh (adj): just and fair.
• Tự minh (v): to justify or clarify oneself.

Synonyms

• Clear: easy to perceive or understand.
• Just: based on or behaving according to fairness.
• Enlightened: having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook.
• Self: a person's essential being.

Related Idioms

• Minh tâm kiến tính: (from Buddhism) to see one's true nature clearly; to achieve enlightenment.
  • Thiền giả tìm cách minh tâm kiến tính. (The meditator seeks to see his true nature clearly.)
• Anh minh: (describing a ruler) brilliant and wise.
  • Một nhà lãnh đạo anh minh. (A brilliant and wise leader.)