thánh hiền
Definition
- Noun:
- Sages and Virtuous Ones: A term used to refer to individuals of supreme wisdom, exceptional moral virtue, and profound talent, who are revered as exemplary models for society and culture.
- The Sages: Specifically, in East Asian Confucian tradition, it often denotes the highest-ranking ancient philosophers and moral teachers, such as Confucius and Mencius.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Theo truyền thống Nho giáo, Khổng Tử được tôn vinh là một bậc thánh hiền. (According to Confucian tradition, Confucius is honored as a sage.)
- Sách của các bậc thánh hiền để lại nhiều bài học quý giá. (The books left by the sages contain many valuable lessons.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in a collective and reverential sense. It is less commonly used to refer to a single living person and more often used historically or philosophically to discuss paragons of virtue and wisdom.
- It can be used in a slightly ironic or hyperbolic modern context to refer to someone who is perceived as being overly moralistic or preachy.
Variants and Related Words
- Thánh nhân (n): Sage, saintly person. A very close synonym, often used interchangeably.
- Ông ấy được dân làng kính trọng như một bậc thánh nhân. (He is respected by the villagers as a sage.)
Synonyms
- Sage: A profoundly wise person.
- Virtuous One: A person of high moral standards.
- Paragon: A model of excellence or perfection.
Related Concepts and Phrases
- Hiền nhân (n): A virtuous and talented person, often a step below "thánh hiền" in the hierarchy of Confucian virtue.
- Thánh hiền mẫu mực: An exemplary sage; a paragon of sagehood.
- Đạo thánh hiền: The way or teachings of the sages.