Definition

1. Noun (historical):
   • Candidate (for imperial examinations): A person, typically a scholar or student, who participated in the imperial competitive examinations (khoa cử) in feudal Vietnam. This term specifically refers to the examinees in this historical context.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Vào mùa thi, các sĩ tử từ khắp nơi đổ về kinh thành. (During the exam season, candidates from all over gathered in the capital city.)
  • Hình ảnh sĩ tử vai đeo lọ bút là hình ảnh điển hình của nền giáo dục Nho học. (The image of a candidate with an inkpot hanging from his shoulder is typical of Confucian education.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "sĩ tử" is now considered literary and archaic. It evokes the historical period of Vietnam's feudal examination system, which was modeled after China's and lasted until the early 20th century.
• It is often used in historical writings, literature, or poetic contexts to recall the atmosphere and culture of scholarly pursuits in the past.

Variants and Related Words

• Thí sinh (n): Examinee, candidate. This is the modern, general term for anyone taking a test or exam and has replaced "sĩ tử" in contemporary usage.
  • Các thí sinh có mặt tại phòng thi trước 15 phút. (The examinees must be present in the exam room 15 minutes early.)

Synonyms

• Candidate: A person who is taking an examination.
• Examinee: A person who is being tested.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Lều chõng: Literally "hut and carrying pole," this phrase symbolizes the life and hardships of a "sĩ tử." Candidates would travel to the exam site, carrying their belongings on a pole and setting up temporary huts to stay in.
  • Cuộc đời lều chõng của các sĩ tử đầy gian truân. (The "lều chõng" life of the candidates was full of hardship.)

noun

1. (cũ) candidate