Definition

1. Noun:
   • Moral quality, moral character: "phẩm hạnh" refers to a person's moral qualities and ethical character, often judged by their actions and behavior.
   • Virtue, integrity: It denotes personal integrity and virtuous conduct, especially in adhering to societal or traditional moral standards.
   • Dignity, moral standing: It can also imply the dignity or moral worth of a person, reflecting their overall ethical standing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cô ấy được mọi người kính trọng vì phẩm hạnh cao quý. (She is respected by everyone for her noble moral character.)
  • Phẩm hạnh tốt là nền tảng của một xã hội lành mạnh. (Good moral conduct is the foundation of a healthy society.)
  • Người lãnh đạo ấy luôn giữ gìn phẩm hạnh. (That leader always maintains his integrity.)

Advanced Usage

• "giữ gìn phẩm hạnh": to preserve/maintain one's moral character or virtue.

  • Dù trong hoàn cảnh nào, bà ấy cũng biết cách giữ gìn phẩm hạnh. (No matter the circumstances, she knows how to preserve her virtue.)

• "phẩm hạnh đáng kính": admirable/reputable moral character.

  • Ông cụ sống một cuộc đời với phẩm hạnh đáng kính. (The old man lived a life of admirable moral character.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phẩm chất (noun): quality, attribute (can be moral or general).

  • Phẩm chất đạo đức means moral qualities.

• Đạo đức (noun): ethics, morality.

  • This is a broader term for moral principles, while "phẩm hạnh" is more about the personal embodiment of those principles.

• Nhân cách (noun): personality, character (encompassing moral and psychological traits).

Synonyms

• Đức hạnh: virtue, moral virtue.
• Tiết hạnh: chastity, virtue (often specifically for women in traditional contexts).
• Khí tiết: moral integrity, steadfastness.

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Traditional Connotation: Historically, "phẩm hạnh" was often used specifically to evaluate the virtue and chastity of women, as noted in the Vietnamese-Vietnamese reference. In modern usage, it can apply to anyone but may still carry this nuanced connotation in certain contexts.
• Formal Register: The word is used in formal, literary, or evaluative contexts concerning ethics and personal worth. It is less common in casual everyday speech.
• Behavior vs. Character: While it can be translated as "behavior" or "conduct," "phẩm hạnh" emphasizes the behind the behavior, not just the actions themselves. It is closer to "moral character."

noun

1. behaviour, conduct, dignity
   • phẩm hạnh tốt
     good behaviour