Definition

1. Verb (archaic):
   • To support loyally and assist faithfully: Refers to the act of giving steadfast and devoted support, typically to a monarch, ruler, or a dynasty, by aiding in their rule or cause.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Các trung thần tôn phò nhà vua. (The loyal ministers faithfully supported the king.)
  • Họ nguyện tôn phò triều đại mới. (They vowed to loyally uphold the new dynasty.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily found in historical or literary contexts, describing the virtue of unwavering ministerial or aristocratic loyalty within a feudal system.

Variants and Related Words

• Phò tá (v): to assist, to support (a leader). Less archaic and more general than "tôn phò".
  • Ông ấy phò tá tướng quân nhiều năm. (He assisted the general for many years.)

Synonyms

• Support loyally: To give faithful and steadfast backing.
• Serve faithfully: To be a devoted servant or follower.
• Uphold: To maintain or defend a cause or ruler.

Related Idioms

• Phò vua giúp nước: A classical idiom meaning "to support the king and help the country," encapsulating the duty of a loyal subject.
  • Làm tôi trung, chí nguyện phò vua giúp nước. (As a loyal servant, his ambition was to support the king and help the country.)