Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Pious, devout: Describes a person who has deep, sincere religious faith and strictly follows the doctrines and practices of their religion. It implies obedience and reverence.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bà ấy là một người phụ nữ rất ngoan đạo. (She is a very pious/devout woman.)
  • Cộng đồng ngoan đạo thường tụ tập cầu nguyện vào sáng Chủ nhật. (The devout community often gathers for prayer on Sunday mornings.)
  • Anh ấy sống một cuộc đời ngoan đạo và bác ái. (He lives a pious and charitable life.)

Advanced Usage

• "sự ngoan đạo" (noun): The state or quality of being pious/devout.

  • Sự ngoan đạo của bà được mọi người kính trọng. (Her piety/devoutness is respected by everyone.)

• "lòng ngoan đạo" (noun phrase): Piety, devoutness (referring to the inner feeling or heart).

  • Lòng ngoan đạo thúc đẩy ông ấy làm nhiều việc thiện. (His piety/devoutness motivates him to do many good deeds.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đạo đức (adj/n): Moral, ethical; morality. (Focuses on general moral principles, not necessarily religious devotion).
• Sùng đạo (adj): Deeply religious, fervently devout. (Often implies a stronger, more fervent intensity than ).
• Mộ đạo (adj): Religious, devout. (Very close synonym to , sometimes used interchangeably).

Synonyms

• Mộ đạo: Religious, devout.
• Sùng đạo: Fervently devout, deeply religious.
• Thành kính: Reverent, devout (can be used in both religious and secular contexts of deep respect).

Notes on Different Meanings

• While the core meaning is "pious/devout," in a predominantly Christian context, it can specifically imply being a devout Christian. However, it is generally applicable to any religious follower who is obedient and sincere in their faith.
• The word carries a positive connotation of being good () in one's religious practice ().

1. Pious, devout