Definition

1. Noun:
   • Righteousness, moral principle: "Ngãi" refers to a moral standard or principle that guides proper conduct and behavior in relationships and society.
   • Faithfulness, loyalty: "Ngãi" also denotes a sense of duty, faithfulness, or loyalty, especially in interpersonal relationships.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tham vàng bỏ ngãi. (To covet gold and abandon righteousness. / To forsake moral principles for wealth.)
  • Làm người phải giữ lấy ngãi. (To be a proper person, one must uphold righteousness.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ngãi" in Classical and Literary Contexts: This word is primarily used in classical Vietnamese literature, proverbs, and fixed expressions. It is an older, literary variant of the modern word "nghĩa," which carries the same meanings of righteousness, duty, and moral obligation.
  • Ngãi is a key concept in Confucian ethics, often discussed alongside "nhân" (benevolence) and "lễ" (propriety).

Variants and Related Words

• Nghĩa (n): The modern, standard Vietnamese word with the same meanings: righteousness, meaning, sense, duty.
  • Hiếu nghĩa: Filial piety and righteousness.
  • Nghĩa vụ: Duty, obligation.
• Chính nghĩa (n): Righteous cause, justice.
• Đạo nghĩa (n): Morality, ethical principles.

Synonyms

• Chính trực: Uprightness, integrity.
• Trung thành: Loyalty, faithfulness.
• Đức hạnh: Virtue, morality.

Related Idioms and Proverbs

• Tham vàng bỏ ngãi: A proverb meaning "to covet gold and abandon righteousness." It criticizes the act of forsaking moral principles or loyalty for the sake of material gain (wealth).
  • Hắn ta tham vàng bỏ ngãi, phản bội lại bạn bè. (He coveted gold and abandoned righteousness, betraying his friends.)

1. Righteousness, faithfulness
   • Tham vàng bỏ ngãi, xem tham