thần dân
Definition
- Noun:
- Subject: A person who owes allegiance to a monarch and lives under their rule. This term historically refers to the populace governed by a king or emperor.
- Loyal follower: In a broader, sometimes figurative sense, a devoted follower or subordinate of a powerful leader or cause.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Nhà vua chăm lo cho hạnh phúc của thần dân. (The king cared for the happiness of his subjects.)
- Trong triều đình phong kiến, mọi thần dân đều phải phục tùng hoàng đế. (In the feudal court, all subjects had to obey the emperor.)
- Ông ấy có những thần dân trung thành nhất. (He has the most loyal followers.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily historical and formal, associated with feudal or monarchical systems. Its use in modern contexts is often literary, metaphorical, or when referring to historical settings.
Variants and Related Words
- Thần tử (n): A minister or official serving the monarch; a subject of higher status.
- Bề tôi (n): A subject or vassal; often used similarly to but can imply a direct servitude.
Synonyms
- Subject: A person under the rule of a monarch.
- Follower: One who follows the leadership of another.
- Citizen: (Modern equivalent) A legally recognized member of a state. Note: implies a hierarchical relationship to a ruler, while "citizen" implies rights within a state.
Related Idioms
- Lòng thần dân: The loyalty of the subjects.
- Lòng thần dân là sức mạnh của đất nước. (The loyalty of the subjects is the strength of the country.)