quyết tử

Definition

  1. Adjective:

    • Determined to die / Ready to die: Describes a state of absolute resolve to sacrifice one's life for a cause, mission, or ideal. It implies a conscious and voluntary acceptance of death.
    • Suicidal (in a tactical/heroic context): Pertaining to a person or group undertaking a mission with the near-certain expectation of death, often for a strategic or symbolic purpose.

  2. Noun (derived usage):

    • One who is determined to die / A martyr-to-be: Refers to a person who has pledged or is prepared to die for a cause.
Usage Examples

  • Adjective:

    • Họ là những chiến sĩ quyết tử. (They are soldiers ready to die.)
    • Tinh thần quyết tử của đội quân đã cổ vũ toàn dân. (The suicidal spirit of the army inspired the entire nation.)

  • Noun:

    • Người lính quyết tử ấy đã trở thành huyền thoại. (That soldier, determined to die, became a legend.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term is often used in historical and military contexts, particularly associated with Vietnamese resistance forces. It conveys extreme courage, patriotism, and the ultimate sacrifice.
  • It can modify units or actions: (suicide troops), (a suicide mission).
Variants and Related Words

  • Quyết tử quân (n): Literally "suicide corps" or "death-defying soldiers"; a specific term for volunteer units prepared for fatal missions.

    • Quyết tử quân Hà Nội năm 1946. (The Hanoi suicide corps of 1946.)

  • Cảm tử (adj): Often used synonymously with quyết tử, meaning "to dare to die" or "suicidal." Quyết tử can imply a more deliberate, resolute decision.

Synonyms
  • Suicidal (in a committed, heroic sense, not the clinical sense).
  • Death-defying.
  • Martyrdom-seeking.
Related Idioms
  • Quyết tử cho Tổ quốc quyết sinh: A famous slogan meaning "Determined to die for the Fatherland, determined to live." It highlights the resolve to fight to the death so that the nation may live.
    • Khẩu hiệu "Quyết tử cho Tổ quốc quyết sinh" vang lên khắp mặt trận. (The slogan "Determined to die for the Fatherland, determined to live" echoed across the battlefield.)