thành nhân
Definition
- Noun:
- An adult / a grown-up: A person who has reached the age of maturity and can be independent.
- A person who sacrifices themselves for a righteous cause: A person who achieves moral greatness or becomes a hero through sacrifice, even if their primary goal is not achieved.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Con cái đã thành nhân. (The children have become adults.)
- Không thành công thì thành nhân. (If you do not succeed, you become a hero [through noble sacrifice].)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in formal or literary contexts, particularly the second meaning related to moral sacrifice, which is derived from classical Chinese philosophy and proverbs.
Variants and Related Words
- Thành niên (v): to come of age, to reach adulthood (often referring specifically to the legal age).
- Lễ thành niên (coming-of-age ceremony).
Synonyms
- Adult: a fully grown person.
- Grown-up: an adult.
- Hero: a person who is admired for their courage or noble qualities, especially in the context of sacrifice.
Related Idioms
- Không thành công thì thành nhân: A proverb meaning "If you do not succeed, you become a hero." It expresses the idea that even in failure, one can achieve moral victory or greatness through noble effort and sacrifice.