thân chủ
Definition
- Noun:
- Client: A person who uses the professional services or advice of a lawyer, counselor, or similar professional. This is the primary and most common meaning.
- Patron (archaic): A person who is a customer of a business or a recipient of services, though this usage is now less common and considered somewhat old-fashioned.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Luật sư đang gặp thân chủ của mình. (The lawyer is meeting with his client.)
- Văn phòng tư vấn có nhiều thân chủ mới. (The consulting firm has many new clients.)
- Thân chủ đó cần được bảo vệ quyền lợi. (That client needs their rights protected.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is most formally and frequently used within legal contexts but can extend to other professional advisory services.
- It implies a formal, ongoing professional relationship rather than a one-time transaction.
Variants and Related Words
- Khách hàng (n): A more general and modern term for "customer" or "client," used broadly in commerce and services, not limited to professional counsel.
Synonyms
- Client: A person or organization using the services of a professional.
- Patron: A customer of a shop, restaurant, etc., or a supporter (archaic sense).
Notes on Usage
- While "thân chủ" is still understood, in contemporary, non-legal Vietnamese, "khách hàng" is more commonly used for "client" in business, and "luật sư" (lawyer) is often specified when referring to a legal client.
- The word can carry a formal tone. Its use often specifies a relationship built on trust and confidentiality, particularly in legal matters.