Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Commonplace, ordinary, worldly: Refers to things, people, or thoughts that are mundane, lacking in spiritual, intellectual, or refined qualities; belonging to the ordinary, material world.
   • Philistine, vulgar: Describes attitudes or tastes that are uncultured, coarse, or concerned only with basic material needs and pleasures, often in contrast to artistic or spiritual values.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta có cái nhìn rất phàm tục về nghệ thuật. (He has a very philistine view of art.)
  • Những ham muốn phàm tục không thể mang lại hạnh phúc thực sự. (Worldly desires cannot bring true happiness.)
  • Đừng để tâm trí mình bị vướng bận bởi những chuyện phàm tục. (Don't let your mind be preoccupied with mundane matters.)

Advanced Usage

• "Con mắt phàm tục": A carnal eye; a worldly perspective that judges things based on superficial, material, or sensual values rather than deeper spiritual or intellectual merits.
  • Với con mắt phàm tục, họ không thể nhận ra vẻ đẹp tinh thần của tác phẩm. (With a worldly eye, they cannot recognize the spiritual beauty of the work.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phàm (adj/n): Ordinary, mortal; often used in contrast with "thánh" (saintly) or "tiên" (immortal). Can also mean "in general" or "every" (e.g., - all those who...).
• Tục (adj): Vulgar, secular, worldly. Often appears in compounds like (earthly, mundane), (worldly attachments).

Synonyms

• Tầm thường: Mediocre, ordinary.
• Trần tục: Earthly, secular, mundane.
• Thô tục: Coarse, vulgar, rude.

Notes on Meaning

The word phàm tục carries a slightly negative or dismissive connotation, implying a lack of higher aspiration, refinement, or depth. It is often used in philosophical, religious, or artistic contexts to contrast the material world with spiritual or intellectual pursuits. It does not simply mean "common" in a neutral statistical sense (phổ biến), but rather "common" in a qualitative sense of being base or unenlightened.

adj

1. commonplace, phillistine