mẫu thân
Definition
- Noun:
- Mother (formal/literary): A formal, respectful, and somewhat literary term for one's biological mother. It carries a tone of reverence and is often used in written contexts, formal speeches, or traditional settings.
- Mother (archaic): An older, classical term for mother, less common in everyday modern conversation.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Mẫu thân tôi là một người phụ nữ rất nhân hậu. (My mother is a very kind woman.)
- Trong thư, anh ấy luôn gửi lời hỏi thăm tới mẫu thân. (In his letters, he always sends his regards to his mother.)
- Công ơn mẫu thân như biển Thái Bình. (A mother's grace is as vast as the Pacific Ocean.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is frequently used in classical literature, poetry, formal announcements (e.g., obituaries), and ceremonial language to denote deep respect and affection.
- It can be used in compound formal titles, such as (Mother of the Nation).
Variants and Related Words
- Mẹ (n): Mother. The standard, neutral, and most common word used in daily speech.
- Má (n): Mother. A common, affectionate term used predominantly in Southern Vietnam.
- Mẹ đẻ (n): Biological mother.
- Từ mẫu (n): A compassionate, nurturing mother; a maternal figure.
Synonyms
- Mother: A female parent.
- Parent: A more general term for a father or mother.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Công cha như núi Thái Sơn, nghĩa mẹ như nước trong nguồn chảy ra: (The father's merit is as great as Mount Thai Son, the mother's love is like water flowing from its source.) A proverb highlighting parental love, where is synonymous with in meaning.
- Phụ mẫu (n): Parents (father and mother). A formal term for one's father and mother together.