Definition

Noun: - The Four Virtues: A Confucian ethical concept referring to the four core virtues expected of individuals in traditional feudal society. The specific set differs for men and women. - For men: Hiếu (filial piety), Đễ (fraternal respect), Trung (loyalty to the sovereign), Tín (trustworthiness). - For women: Công (domestic skills), Dung (graceful appearance), Ngôn (appropriate speech), Hạnh (good conduct).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Giáo lý Nho giáo nhấn mạnh đến tứ đức của người quân tử. (Confucian doctrine emphasizes the four virtues of a nobleman.)
  • Tứ đức "công, dung, ngôn, hạnh" từng là chuẩn mực đánh giá người phụ nữ. (The four virtues of "domestic skills, appearance, speech, and conduct" were once the standard for evaluating women.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "tứ đức" is primarily used in historical, cultural, or literary contexts to discuss traditional East Asian, particularly Vietnamese, Confucian values. It is considered an archaic concept in modern discourse.

Variants and Related Words

• Tam tòng, tứ đức: A related Confucian phrase for women, meaning "Three Obediences and Four Virtues."
  • Khái niệm "tam tòng tứ đức" thể hiện quan niệm phong kiến về vai trò của phụ nữ. (The concept of the "Three Obediences and Four Virtues" reflects feudal notions of women's roles.)

Synonyms

• The Four Cardinal Virtues: A related but distinct Western concept (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance).
• Confucian virtues: A broader term encompassing virtues like Nhân (benevolence), Nghĩa (righteousness), Lễ (propriety), Trí (wisdom), Tín (trustworthiness).

Related Concepts

• Ngũ thường: The Five Constant Virtues (Nhân, Nghĩa, Lễ, Trí, Tín).
• Tam cương: The Three Fundamental Bonds (ruler-subject, father-child, husband-wife).

noun

1. four virtues