Definition

1. Noun:
   • Influential circle; powerful family/clan: "Quyền môn" refers to a family, clan, or social circle that holds significant power, authority, and influence, especially in a historical or feudal context. It describes a group whose status grants them substantial sway over political or social matters.
   • Sphere of influence: It can also denote the domain or sphere controlled by such a powerful group.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ta tìm cách kết thân với các gia đình thuộc quyền môn. (He sought to befriend families belonging to the influential circles.)
  • Trong xã hội phong kiến, việc hôn nhân giữa các quyền môn là chuyện thường. (In feudal society, marriages between powerful clans were common.)
  • Hắn luồn lọt vào chốn quyền môn để thăng tiến. (He wormed his way into powerful circles to advance his career.)

Advanced Usage

• "Luồn lọt chốn quyền môn": This is a classic phrase meaning to ingratiate oneself with or infiltrate powerful circles, often with a negative connotation of using flattery or cunning to gain favor.
  • Kẻ cơ hội chỉ biết luồn lọt chốn quyền môn. (Opportunists only know how to worm their way into influential circles.)

Variants and Related Words

• Quyền thế (n): Power, authority. This is a more general term for power and influence.
  • Gia đình đó rất có quyền thế trong vùng. (That family holds great power in the region.)
• Thế lực (n): Force, power, influential faction.
  • Các thế lực trong triều đình tranh giành ảnh hưởng. (The powerful factions in the court vied for influence.)

Synonyms

• Gia tộc quyền thế: Powerful clan/family.
• Vòng tròn quyền lực: Circle of power.
• Thế gia vọng tộc (literary): Established and prestigious family of high status.

Notes on Usage

• Register: "Quyền môn" is an archaic or literary term (từ cũ). It is primarily found in historical texts, literature, or used to describe past societies. In modern Vietnamese, phrases like "gia đình quyền thế" (powerful family) or "giới quyền lực" (the powerful) are more commonly used.
• Connotation: The term often carries a neutral-to-negative connotation, associated with elitism, exclusivity, and the manipulation of power. The action "luồn lọt" (to worm one's way in) is frequently associated with it.

1. (từ cũ) Influential circle