Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Bestowed by royal decree: Describes something (typically a title, name, honor, or object) officially granted or conferred by a king or emperor through a formal written order (a "sắc").
   • Royal-granted: Indicates something given by royal authority.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ngôi chùa này được vua ban cho biển hiệu sắc tứ. (This temple was granted a royal-bestowed name plaque by the king.)
  • Chiếc áo sắc tứ là một vinh dự lớn cho gia đình. (The royal-bestowed robe was a great honor for the family.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in historical or formal contexts related to the feudal period in Vietnam. It is often found in literature, historical documents, or when discussing cultural heritage sites (like temples, pagodas, communal houses) that received royal recognition.
• It modifies nouns to indicate their special, officially sanctioned status originating from the monarchy.

Variants and Related Words

• Sắc phong (n): A royal decree of bestowal; the physical document conferring a title, rank, or honor. While sắc tứ is an adjective describing something as "royally bestowed," sắc phong is often the noun for the decree itself.
• Sắc chỉ (n): A royal edict or order, broader than just bestowal.
• Tứ (v, in this context): To bestow, to grant (used in royal context).

Synonyms

• Được vua ban: Granted by the king.
• Được triều đình ban tặng: Bestowed by the royal court.

Notes on Meaning

• The term sắc tứ is archaic (từ cũ) and is not used in modern administrative or legal contexts. Its use today is almost exclusively historical, cultural, or ceremonial.
• It specifically implies the highest level of official recognition from the feudal state apparatus (the monarchy).

1. (từ cũ) Bestowed by royal decree