Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Content with one's lot and adhering to convention: Describes a person who is satisfied with their current situation and does not seek change, while also consistently following established norms and customs. It implies a passive acceptance of one's position in life and a cautious, rule-abiding nature.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông ấy là người thủ thường, không bao giờ mơ ước việc lớn. (He is a thủ thường person, never dreaming of big things.)
  • Tính cách thủ thường khiến anh ấy không dám chấp nhận rủi ro. (His thủ thường character makes him afraid to take risks.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a slightly negative or limiting connotation, suggesting a lack of ambition, innovation, or courage to break from tradition.
• It can be used to describe a mindset or approach to life that prioritizes stability and conformity over ambition and change.

Variants and Related Words

• An phận thủ thường: This is the most common four-word idiom form, encapsulating the full meaning: to be content with one's lot and keep to the usual way.
  • Cô ấy chọn lối sống an phận thủ thường. (She chose a lifestyle of being content with her lot and keeping to the usual way.)

Synonyms

• Unambitious: having no desire for success or achievement.
• Conformist: following established customs and norms.
• Conservative: resistant to change, holding to traditional attitudes.

Related Idioms

• An phận: to be content with one's lot.
  • Họ sống một cuộc đời an phận. (They live a life content with their lot.)
• The concept is central to the common four-word idiom "an phận thủ thường", which is the standard and complete expression of this idea.