Definition

1. Noun:
   • Foster father / adoptive father: A man who raises and cares for a child as his own, though not the child's biological father. This term carries a formal and respectful tone, often implying a deep, fatherly bond formed through care rather than blood relation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sau khi bố mất, ông ấy trở thành nghĩa phụ của tôi. (After my father died, he became my foster father.)
  • Cậu bé rất kính trọng người nghĩa phụ của mình. (The boy deeply respects his adoptive father.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "nghĩa phụ" is considered somewhat literary or formal in modern Vietnamese. In everyday speech, terms like "bố nuôi" (foster dad) are more common.
• It is part of a traditional set of terms, with "nghĩa mẫu" being the equivalent term for a foster or adoptive mother.

Variants and Related Words

• Bố nuôi (n): foster father, adoptive father (more common, colloquial).
  • Bố nuôi của anh ấy là một bác sĩ. (His foster father is a doctor.)
• Nghĩa mẫu (n): foster mother, adoptive mother.
  • Cô ấy biết ơn người nghĩa mẫu đã cứu mạng mình. (She is grateful to her adoptive mother who saved her life.)

Synonyms

• Foster father: A man who takes on the role of a father for a child not biologically his own.
• Adoptive father: A man who has legally adopted a child.

Notes on Usage

• "Nghĩa phụ" emphasizes the and ("nghĩa") inherent in the relationship, not just the legal or factual aspect. It is a term of respect and gratitude.
• It is less commonly used in contemporary daily conversation but may appear in formal writing, literature, or in expressions of deep respect.