Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Conformable to duty; morally right: Describes an action, behavior, or attitude that is proper, dutiful, and in accordance with moral principles, especially those related to familial and social responsibilities.
   • Filial; pious: Often used specifically to describe proper conduct towards parents and elders, embodying respect and fulfillment of one's obligations.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Làm con phải phải đạo với cha mẹ.* (As a child, one must be dutiful to one's parents.)
  • Cư xử như vậy mới là phải đạo. * (Behaving like that is the right and proper thing to do.)
  • Anh ấy là một người con rất phải đạo. * (He is a very filial son.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is deeply rooted in Confucian ethics and Vietnamese traditional values, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's role-specific duties within the family and society.
• It often implies a sense of inherent moral correctness and social expectation, rather than just personal choice.

Variants and Related Words

• Đạo đức (n/adj): Morality; moral. Refers to moral principles in a broader sense.
• Hiếu thảo (adj): Filial piety. Specifically denotes love, respect, and care for parents, which is a core aspect of being .
• Bổn phận (n): Duty, obligation. The responsibilities one is expected to fulfill.

Synonyms

• Đúng mực: Proper, correct in manner.
• Có hiếu: Filial (short for ).
• Hợp đạo lí: Conforming to moral principles.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Trên thuận dưới hòa: Literally "those above are agreeable, those below are harmonious". Describes a harmonious family where everyone acts properly according to their role, which is the ideal state of being .
• Phận làm con: The lot/role of being a child. Often used in the context of discussing behavior, e.g., "" (It is the child's lot to be dutiful.)

adj

1. conformable to duty