Definitions

1. Noun:
   • Woman (archaic/formal): A respectful, somewhat old-fashioned term for a woman, often used in historical or literary contexts to refer to a lady, especially one of status or refinement.
   • Wife (archaic/formal): In classical usage, it can specifically denote one's wife, used with a formal or honorific tone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong các tác phẩm cổ, "phụ nhân" thường chỉ những người phụ nữ đức hạnh, cao quý. (In classical works, "phụ nhân" often refers to virtuous, noble women.)
  • Vị quan ấy đã đưa phụ nhân của mình đến dự yến tiệc. (That mandarin brought his wife to attend the banquet.)

Advanced Usage Notes

• The word "phụ nhân" is marked as archaic (từ cũ). It is rarely used in modern, everyday Vietnamese. It primarily appears in historical novels, period dramas, classical poetry, or formal writings that aim for a traditional flavor.
• It carries a connotation of respect and often implies a woman of grace, virtue, or social standing, unlike the neutral modern word "phụ nữ".
• Using it in contemporary speech might sound overly formal, literary, or even humorous.

Variants and Related Words

• Phụ nữ (n): Woman. The standard, modern, and neutral term for "woman" or "women".
• Đàn bà (n): Woman. A more direct, sometimes informal or blunt term.
• Quý bà (n): Lady, Madam. A polite and respectful term for a married or older woman.
• Phu nhân (n): Madame, Lady. A formal, respectful term often used for the wife of someone of high status (e.g., "phu nhân đại sứ" - the ambassador's wife). This is more commonly used than "phụ nhân" in modern formal contexts.

Synonyms

• Nữ giới: The female gender; womankind (formal).
• Bà: Mrs., Madam, Lady (used as a title or respectful term for an older woman).

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Tam tòng tứ đức": (The "three obediences and four virtues") – A Confucian code of conduct for women often associated with the idealized virtues of a "phụ nhân" in traditional society.

1. (từ cũ) Woman