nghĩa sĩ

nghĩa sĩ

Một nghĩa sĩ giúp một cụ già qua đường đông đúc.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Righteous warrior / Militia volunteer: A person who fights or takes up arms voluntarily for a just cause, righteousness, or to defend their community, often without formal military training or for little to no pay. This term is deeply tied to Vietnamese history, particularly referring to local volunteers who fought against invaders.
    • Person of righteousness: More broadly, a person who acts based on a strong sense of justice and duty, sacrificing to help others or uphold a moral principle.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Các nghĩa sĩ đã anh dũng chiến đấu bảo vệ quê hương. (The righteous warriors fought bravely to defend their homeland.)
    • Ông ấy được tôn vinh như một nghĩa sĩ vì những việc làm vì cộng đồng. (He is honored as a person of righteousness for his community work.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term "nghĩa sĩ" is historically specific and carries a solemn, heroic connotation. It is often used in literature and historical texts to honor figures from the past, especially peasant-soldiers in the Cần Vương movement or resistance against colonial forces.
    • Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc is a famous elegy by Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, lamenting the sacrifice of these volunteers.
Variants and Related Words

  • Nghĩa quân (n): Righteous army; the collective force of nghĩa sĩ.

    • Nghĩa quân Tây Sơn đã lật đổ chúa Nguyễn. (The Tây Sơn righteous army overthrew the Nguyễn lords.)

  • Nghĩa cử (n): A righteous or charitable act.

    • Lòng biết ơn cho nghĩa cử cao đẹp của anh. (Gratitude for your noble, righteous act.)
Synonyms
  • Volunteer fighter: One who fights by choice, not conscription.
  • Patriot: One who loves and defends their country.
  • Militiaman: A member of a non-professional local fighting force.
Related Concepts

  • Chính nghĩa (n): Righteous cause; the just principle for which a nghĩa sĩ fights.

    • Họ chiến đấu vì chính nghĩa. (They fight for a righteous cause.)

  • Hy sinh (v): To sacrifice; a core concept associated with the actions of a nghĩa sĩ.

    • Sự hy sinh của các nghĩa sĩ không bao giờ bị lãng quên. (The sacrifice of the righteous warriors is never forgotten.)