sáng nghiệp

Definition

Verb:
- To found (a dynasty), to establish (a great enterprise): "sáng nghiệp" refers to the act of founding or establishing a major, enduring institution, most commonly a royal dynasty or a significant family/business legacy. It implies creating something from the ground up that is meant to last for generations.

Usage Examples

Verb:
- Lê Thái Tổ là người sáng nghiệp ra nhà Lê. (Lê Thái Tổ was the one who founded the Lê dynasty.)
- Ông tổ của dòng họ chúng tôi đã sáng nghiệp từ hơn 300 năm trước. (Our family's ancestor established the family legacy over 300 years ago.)

Advanced Usage

This term is formal and historical. It is almost exclusively used in contexts discussing the founding of dynasties, major family lineages, or historically significant commercial/artistic schools.
It carries a connotation of vision, effort, and the creation of a lasting foundation.

Variants and Related Words

Gây dựng cơ nghiệp (verb phrase): to build up a career/base/family fortune. This is a more general and modern phrase for building a significant enterprise or legacy.
Khai sáng (verb): to enlighten, to initiate (an era of knowledge). This shares the "sáng" (to illuminate/create) root but applies to intellectual or cultural realms.
Sáng lập (verb): to found, to establish (an organization, company). This is the standard modern term for founding institutions like companies, schools, or NGOs.

Synonyms

Lập nên (verb): to set up, to establish.
Khai sinh (verb): to give birth to (often used for ideas, movements, or institutions).
Dựng nên (verb): to build up, to erect.

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning is specifically "to found a dynasty." While it can be extended metaphorically to founding a major family business or legacy, this usage is less common in modern Vietnamese and retains a formal, almost archaic tone.
It is not used for ordinary acts of starting a business or career. For those, terms like "khởi nghiệp" (to start up a business) or "lập nghiệp" (to establish oneself in a career) are used.