thanh cao
Definition
- Adjective:
- Noble and pure: Describes a person's character, spirit, or lifestyle as being morally upright, virtuous, and free from base or vulgar desires. It implies integrity and a refined sense of principles.
- Elegantly simple: Describes an object, style, or atmosphere that is simple yet refined, tasteful, and not ostentatious.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Ông ấy sống một cuộc đời thanh cao, xa lánh vòng danh lợi. (He lives a noble and pure life, staying away from the circles of fame and profit.)
- Tâm hồn bà lão thật thanh cao. (The old woman's soul is truly noble.)
- Căn phòng được trang trí một cách thanh cao với vài món đồ gỗ mộc mạc. (The room is decorated in an elegantly simple style with a few rustic wooden items.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in literary or formal contexts to express high praise for someone's moral character or aesthetic taste. It carries a connotation of being above worldly corruption.
Variants and Related Words
- Thanh khiết (adj): pure, pristine. Often refers to physical or moral purity.
- Cao thượng (adj): noble, magnanimous. Focuses more on noble actions and generosity of spirit.
- Giản dị mà thanh cao: A common phrase meaning "simple yet noble/elegant."
Synonyms
- Noble: Having fine personal qualities or high moral principles.
- Virtuous: Having high moral standards.
- Refined: Elegant and cultured in appearance, manner, or taste.
- Ethereal: Extremely delicate and light, seeming too perfect for this world (in some poetic contexts for 'thanh cao').
Related Idioms
- Sống thanh cao: To live a noble and pure life.
- Dù nghèo khó, ông ấy vẫn giữ phẩm chất sống thanh cao. (Despite being poor, he still maintains the quality of living a noble life.)