Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Frugal; simple (in diet): Describes food, meals, or a diet that is plain, modest, and not luxurious or expensive. It emphasizes simplicity and the absence of rich, elaborate, or costly dishes.
   • Austere; pure and noble (in lifestyle): Describes a way of life that is simple, upright, and morally pure. It conveys a sense of virtuous simplicity and lack of materialistic desires.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông ấy có một lối sống rất thanh đạm. (He has a very austere and noble lifestyle.)
  • Bữa cơm thanh đạm chỉ có rau luộc và đậu phụ. (The frugal meal consisted only of boiled vegetables and tofu.)
  • Tâm hồn thanh đạm của bà khiến mọi người kính trọng. (Her pure and noble soul earns everyone's respect.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a positive, commendatory sense to praise moral character and simple living, rather than merely describing poverty.
• It can be applied abstractly to describe concepts like "soul" () or "taste" (), implying purity and refinement.

Variants and Related Words

• Thanh bạch (adj): Upright and honest; incorruptible. Often used to describe officials who live simply and honestly.
• Giản dị (adj): Simple, plain. A more general term for simplicity in appearance, lifestyle, or manner, without the strong connotation of moral purity found in .

Synonyms

• Frugal: Sparing or economical regarding food or expenses.
• Austere: Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or lifestyle; having no comforts or luxuries.
• Sober: Marked by seriousness, moderation, or plainness (especially in diet or habits).
• Pure: Free from moral fault or corruption.

Related Idioms

• Sống một cuộc đời thanh đạm: To live a life of virtuous simplicity.
  • Vị thiền sư sống một cuộc đời thanh đạm trong ngôi chùa nhỏ. (The Zen master lived a life of virtuous simplicity in the small temple.)

adj

1. frugal pure and noble