Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Kind-hearted, gentle and upright: Describes a person, typically an elder or someone with a benevolent appearance, who possesses inherent goodness, a gentle nature, and moral integrity. It implies a combination of virtue, kindness, and a dignified, trustworthy demeanor.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bà ấy có gương mặt rất phúc hậu. (She has a very kind-hearted and gentle face.)
  • Ông ấy là một người phúc hậu, luôn sẵn lòng giúp đỡ mọi người. (He is a kind-hearted and upright person, always willing to help others.)
  • Cụ già trong làng được mọi người kính trọng vì sự phúc hậu của mình. (The village elder is respected by everyone for his/her virtuous and gentle nature.)

Advanced Usage

• "vẻ phúc hậu": a kind-hearted and benevolent appearance/aura.

  • Người phụ nữ ấy toát lên vẻ phúc hậu khiến ai cũng cảm thấy tin tưởng. (That woman exudes a kind-hearted aura that makes everyone feel trusting.)

• "tính phúc hậu": a kind-hearted and virtuous character.

  • Tính phúc hậu của ông chủ đã tạo nên một môi trường làm việc rất tốt. (The boss's kind-hearted and virtuous character created a very good working environment.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phúc đức (n): Virtue, blessings, good fortune (often accumulated from good deeds). This is a component of the meaning of "phúc hậu."
• Hiền hậu (adj): Gentle, kind, good-natured. This is another component of the meaning of "phúc hậu."
• Nhân hậu (adj): Benevolent, charitable, humane. A close synonym focusing on human kindness.

Synonyms

• Kind-hearted: Having a kind and sympathetic nature.
• Benevolent: Well-meaning and kindly.
• Virtuous: Having high moral standards.

Related Idioms

• "Phúc hậu tướng": A kind-hearted countenance/physiognomy. Refers to the belief that a person's inner virtue and kindness are reflected in their facial features.
  • Người ta thường nói bà ấy có phúc hậu tướng. (People often say she has a kind-hearted countenance.)

1. Kind-hearted, gentle and upright