Definition

Noun: * Secretary of State, Minister without Portfolio: A high-ranking government official, typically a member of the cabinet, who does not head a specific ministry or department but is assigned special responsibilities by the head of government. This title is used in some political systems.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông ấy được bổ nhiệm làm quốc vụ khanh phụ trách các vấn đề đặc biệt. (He was appointed as a Minister without Portfolio in charge of special issues.)
  • Chức vụ quốc vụ khanh thường được giao những nhiệm vụ đặc biệt từ thủ tướng. (The position of Secretary of State is often assigned special tasks by the prime minister.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "quốc vụ khanh" is a specific political title. Its equivalent and precise responsibilities can vary significantly between different countries' governmental structures. It often implies a flexible, advisory, or coordinating role across multiple ministries.

Variants and Related Words

• Bộ trưởng (n): Minister (typically heading a specific ministry).
• Thứ trưởng (n): Vice Minister, Deputy Minister.
• Tổng thư ký (n): Secretary-General.

Synonyms

• Bộ trưởng không bộ: Literally "minister without a ministry," a direct descriptive synonym.
• Thành viên nội các không giữ bộ: Cabinet member without portfolio.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "quốc vụ khanh" has a single, specific meaning related to government structure. It should not be confused with "bộ trưởng ngoại giao" (Minister of Foreign Affairs), which is sometimes translated as "Secretary of State" in countries like the United States. In the context of "quốc vụ khanh," "Secretary of State" refers to a cabinet-level position without a dedicated department.

1. Secretary of state, minister without portfolio