Definition

1. Noun (archaic):
   • Wife, lady of the house: An old-fashioned, respectful term for one's wife, emphasizing her role as the manager of the household.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nội tướng của tôi rất đảm đang. (My wife is very capable in managing the household.)
  • Ông ấy luôn tôn trọng ý kiến của vị nội tướng. (He always respects the opinion of the lady of the house.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "nội tướng" is considered literary and is rarely used in modern everyday conversation. It may be used humorously or affectionately in certain contexts to refer to one's wife.
  • Tôi phải xin phép nội tướng nhà tôi đã. (I must ask for permission from my better half first.)

Word Origin and Notes

• Etymology: The word is a compound of "nội" (inside, internal) and "tướng" (general, commander). It figuratively means "the general of the domestic sphere," highlighting the wife's authoritative role in home affairs.
• Usage Note: This term is archaic (cũ). In contemporary Vietnamese, common words for "wife" include "vợ", "phu nhân" (formal), or "bà xã" (colloquial).

Synonyms

• Vợ: wife (the standard, modern term).
• Phu nhân: madam, lady (a formal term).
• Bà xã: wife (a common, affectionate colloquial term).

1. (cũ) Wife, lady of the house