Definition

1. Verb:
   • To assist and preserve; to support and protect: "phù trì" is an archaic term describing the action of providing help and simultaneously safeguarding or maintaining something or someone, often implying a benevolent, higher-level support.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Thần linh phù trì cho dân làng. (The deities assist and preserve the villagers.)
  • Nhờ có sự phù trì của tổ tiên, gia tộc mới hưng thịnh. (Thanks to the support and protection of our ancestors, the clan has prospered.)
  • Vị tướng tin rằng vận may sẽ phù trì ông trong trận chiến. (The general believed that fortune would assist and preserve him in the battle.)

Advanced Usage

• "phù trì" in Classical and Literary Contexts: This word is almost exclusively found in classical Vietnamese texts, historical narratives, religious contexts (referring to divine or spiritual aid), or formal, elevated speech. It is not used in modern everyday conversation.
  • Triều đại ấy tồn tại lâu dài nhờ được thiên mệnh phù trì. (That dynasty lasted a long time thanks to being assisted and preserved by the Mandate of Heaven.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phù hộ (Verb): To aid and protect; to bless. This is a more common synonym in religious contexts (e.g., "Cầu trời phù hộ" - Pray for heaven's blessing).
• Hỗ trợ (Verb): To support; to assist. This is the standard modern word for "to assist" without the connotation of preservation.
• Che chở (Verb): To shelter; to protect. This emphasizes the protective aspect.
• Bảo trợ (Verb/Noun): To sponsor; to patronize; sponsorship. Often used in social or legal contexts.

Synonyms

• Giúp đỡ và bảo vệ: To help and protect.
• Hỗ trợ và gìn giữ: To support and preserve.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• : As an archaic, single-concept verb, "phù trì" does not form modern phrasal verbs.

Related Idioms

• "Trên bảo dưới nghe, dưới được trên phù trì": An old saying describing an ideal hierarchical relationship where those above give good orders, those below listen well, and those below receive support from those above. It implies a harmonious system of mutual responsibility and support.
  • Công ty phát triển vững mạnh nhờ có văn hóa "trên bảo dưới nghe, dưới được trên phù trì". (The company developed strongly thanks to a culture of "good orders from above, good listening from below, and support from above for those below.")

1. (từ cũ) Assist and preserve