Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Conservative / Reactionary: Describes a person, mindset, or attitude that stubbornly adheres to old ways, ideas, or traditions and resists change or modernization.
   • Obstinately traditional: Characterized by an inflexible attachment to established customs and a refusal to accept new methods or thinking.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông ấy có tư tưởng rất thủ cựu. (He has a very conservative mindset.)
  • Những chính sách thủ cựu đó đang kìm hãm sự phát triển. (Those reactionary policies are hindering development.)
  • Đừng quá thủ cựu trước những đổi mới. (Don't be so obstinately traditional in the face of innovations.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a negative connotation, implying stubbornness, backwardness, and being an obstacle to progress. It is stronger and more critical than the neutral English word "traditional."

Variants and Related Words

• Bảo thủ (adj): Conservative. While also meaning "conservative," can be less pejorative and more political or philosophical than , which emphasizes stubborn attachment.

Synonyms

• Conservative: Resistant to change.
• Reactionary: Opposing progress and favoring a return to a previous state.
• Hidebound: Unwilling to change because of tradition or convention.
• Obstinately traditional: Stubbornly adhering to old ways.

Related Idioms

• Đầu óc thủ cựu: A conservative/reactionary mind.
  • Công ty cần thay đổi những đầu óc thủ cựu. (The company needs to change the conservative minds.)