Definition

1. Noun:
   • Master, teacher: An archaic, respectful term used by students or disciples to honor their teacher or master. It conveys deep reverence for the teacher's knowledge and moral guidance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Học trò kính cẩn gọi thầy là "phu tử". (The students respectfully called their teacher "phu tử".)
  • La Sơn phu tử là một nhà giáo nổi tiếng trong lịch sử. (La Sơn phu tử was a famous educator in history.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in historical, literary, or highly formal contexts to refer to great scholars or mentors of the past.
  • Đạo làm thầy của các bậc phu tử xưa vẫn còn nguyên giá trị. (The teaching philosophy of the masters of old remains valuable.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sư phụ (n): Master, teacher (common in martial arts or traditional crafts contexts).
• Tiên sinh (n): Sir, teacher (another respectful, somewhat archaic term for a learned man or teacher).
• Giáo sư (n): Professor (modern academic title).

Synonyms

• Thầy: Teacher (the standard, modern term).
• Người thầy: The teacher (emphasizing the person).

Notes on Usage

• "Phu tử" is an obsolete term. In modern Vietnamese, "thầy" or "giáo viên" is used.
• It often forms part of a revered figure's title, like "La Sơn phu tử" (Master of La Son), and is not typically used as a direct form of address in contemporary speech.

1. (từ cũ) Master, teacher