Definition

1. Verb:
   • To be cautious / to be on one's guard: The primary meaning of "thủ thân" is to act carefully and defensively to protect oneself from potential harm or danger.
   • To preserve oneself / to take care of one's well-being: It also means to maintain one's health, safety, or moral integrity.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Trong môi trường mới, cô ấy luôn biết cách thủ thân. (In the new environment, she always knows how to be on her guard.)
  • Anh ấy thủ thân rất tốt, ít khi bị ốm. (He takes very good care of his well-being and rarely gets sick.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a deliberate, conscious effort of self-preservation in the face of social, physical, or ethical challenges.

Variants and Related Words

• Tự vệ (v): to defend oneself.

  • Mọi người nên học cách tự vệ. (Everyone should learn how to defend themselves.)

• Giữ mình (v): to restrain or conduct oneself properly.

  • Anh ấy luôn biết giữ mình trong mọi tình huống. (He always knows how to conduct himself properly in every situation.)

Synonyms

• To be vigilant: To be watchful for possible danger.
• To take care of oneself: To look after one's own health and safety.
• To be circumspect: To be wary and unwilling to take risks.

Related Idioms

• Thủ thân thủ thế: To be thoroughly on guard, covering all aspects of self-preservation and position.
  • Trong cuộc đàm phán, ông ấy luôn thủ thân thủ thế. (In the negotiation, he is always thoroughly on his guard.)