Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Noble and powerful; of high rank and status: "quyền quý" describes a person or family belonging to the aristocracy or upper class, possessing both authority (quyền) and esteemed social standing (quý). It implies a combination of political/social power and noble birth.
   • Aristocratic; high-born: It refers to the quality of being from a prestigious, well-respected lineage, often associated with traditional elite families.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy xuất thân từ một gia đình quyền quý. (He comes from an aristocratic family.)
  • Trong xã hội phong kiến, tầng lớp quyền quý có nhiều đặc quyền. (In feudal society, the noble class had many privileges.)
  • Phong cách sống của giới quyền quý rất khác biệt. (The lifestyle of the nobility was very distinct.)

Advanced Usage

• "Con nhà quyền quý": A common phrase meaning "child of a noble/powerful family". It often carries connotations of being raised with privilege and high social standing.
  • Cô ấy là con nhà quyền quý, được giáo dục rất chu đáo. (She is from a noble family and was very well-educated.)
• The term "quyền quý" is considered somewhat archaic (từ cũ) in modern Vietnamese. It is more commonly found in historical contexts, literature, or when describing traditional social structures.

Variants and Related Words

• Quý tộc (n): Nobility; aristocrat. This is a more direct and modern noun for the noble class.
  • Tầng lớp quý tộc thời xưa. (The aristocracy of olden times.)
• Danh gia vọng tộc (idiom): A prestigious and renowned family. This idiom emphasizes fame and reputation alongside high status.
• Quyền thế (n): Power; authority. This word focuses more on the "power" aspect without the inherent "noble" connotation of "quyền quý".

Synonyms

• Cao quý: Noble, exalted. Emphasizes moral or social elevation.
• Sang trọng: Luxurious, elegant. Focuses more on refined lifestyle and manners than on inherited status.

Notes on Meaning

• The term combines two concepts: "quyền" (power, authority) and "quý" (precious, valued, noble). Therefore, it does not merely mean "rich" (giàu có) but specifically denotes elevated social rank and influence, often inherited.
• It is distinct from simply being wealthy. A wealthy merchant might not be considered "quyền quý", whereas a high-ranking mandarin or a hereditary lord would be.

1. (từ cũ) Of rank and fashion
   • Con nhà quyền quý
     To come from a family of rank and fashion