quý nhân
Definition
- Noun:
- A noble person; a person of high social status or rank: This is the classical and literary meaning, referring to someone from an aristocratic or esteemed background.
- A benefactor; a patron; a helpful and influential person: This is the most common contemporary usage. It refers to a person who provides timely help, support, or a fortunate opportunity, often changing one's life or career for the better.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Trong truyện cổ tích, cô gái nghèo thường được quý nhân phù trợ. (In fairy tales, the poor girl is often aided by a benefactor.)
- Anh ấy gặp quý nhân ngay trong lúc khó khăn nhất. (He met a patron right at his most difficult moment.)
- Vị quý nhân ấy đã mở ra cơ hội mới cho công ty chúng tôi. (That benefactor opened up a new opportunity for our company.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept of "quý nhân" is deeply rooted in East Asian philosophy and spirituality. It is often associated with luck and destiny, implying that this person appears in one's life at a predestined time to offer guidance or assistance.
- In Vietnamese folk belief and spiritual practices, people sometimes seek to identify or attract their "quý nhân" through astrology or fortune-telling to improve their luck.
Variants and Related Words
- Ân nhân (n): Benefactor, savior. This word emphasizes a debt of gratitude for help received, often in a救命 situation. It is more specific than "quý nhân."
- Ông ấy là ân nhân cứu mạng tôi. (He is the benefactor who saved my life.)
Synonyms
- Benefactor: A person who gives help, especially financial help.
- Patron: A person who supports with money, gifts, or influence.
- Mentor: An experienced advisor who helps a less experienced person.
Related Idioms and Proverbs
Quý nhân phù trợ: To have the support and help of a benefactor.
- Nhờ có quý nhân phù trợ, công việc của anh ấy thuận lợi hẳn. (Thanks to having a benefactor's support, his work became much smoother.)
Gặp được quý nhân: To encounter/meet one's benefactor (a fortunate event).
- Cô ấy đã gặp được quý nhân trong chuyến công tác đó. (She met her benefactor on that business trip.)