Definition

1. Noun:
   • A younger son; a son who is not the firstborn: This term specifically refers to a male child who is born after the eldest son in a family. It carries a formal and somewhat archaic tone, often used in historical or literary contexts to denote birth order within a traditional family structure.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong gia đình quý tộc xưa, thứ tử thường không được kế thừa tước vị. (In noble families of the past, a younger son often did not inherit the title.)
  • Ông ấy là thứ tử, nên ít chịu áp lực hơn người anh cả. (He is a younger son, so he faces less pressure than the eldest brother.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "thứ tử" is primarily found in classical literature, historical texts, or formal writing. In modern everyday conversation, phrases like (the second/younger son) are more commonly used. "Thứ tử" explicitly contrasts with (the eldest son).

Variants and Related Words

• Trưởng tử (n): the eldest son; the firstborn son.

  • Trưởng tử có trách nhiệm rất lớn. (The eldest son has a great responsibility.)

• Con thứ (n): a younger child (son or daughter); a general term for a child who is not the firstborn.

  • Cô ấy là con thứ trong gia đình. (She is a younger child in the family.)

Synonyms

• Younger son: a son born after the first.
• Cadet son: a formal term, especially in historical contexts, for a younger son.

Related Concepts

• Birth order: The sequence in which children are born into a family. "Thứ tử" is a specific term within this concept, highlighting the traditional importance placed on primogeniture (the right of the firstborn son to inherit).