Definition

1. Noun:
   • Sworn brother; adoptive brother: A male who is not biologically related but is bound by a formal oath or pact of brotherhood, often involving lifelong loyalty and mutual support. This term is historical and literary.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Họ kết nghĩa huynh đệ, thề sống chết có nhau. (They became sworn brothers, vowing to share life and death.)
  • Trong tiểu thuyết, nhân vật chính có một nghĩa huynh. (In the novel, the main character has a sworn brother.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily found in historical, literary, or martial arts contexts, often describing bonds formed in contexts like rebel armies, martial arts sects, or traditional societies.
• It implies a deeper, more formal commitment than a casual friendship.

Variants and Related Words

• Nghĩa đệ (n): Sworn younger brother. The counterpart to "nghĩa huynh."
• Kết nghĩa huynh đệ (v): To swear an oath of brotherhood; to become sworn brothers.
• Huynh đệ kết nghĩa (n): Sworn brotherhood (the state or relationship).

Synonyms

• Sworn brother: A brother by oath.
• Blood brother: (In the sense of a brother by pact, not by birth).
• Adoptive brother: A brother by formal adoption.

Related Idioms

• Nghĩa huynh đệ: Sworn brotherhood. This phrase emphasizes the bond itself.
  • Nghĩa huynh đệ của họ vượt trên cả tình ruột thịt. (Their sworn brotherhood surpasses even blood relations.)