Definition

1. Noun:
   • Spiritual father: A term, often used in religious contexts, to denote a male spiritual guide, mentor, or confessor. This person provides religious instruction, guidance, and pastoral care.
   • Godfather (in a religious sense): Can refer to a male sponsor at a baptism, who takes responsibility for the child's spiritual upbringing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Vị linh mục được coi là thần phụ của cộng đoàn. (The priest is considered the spiritual father of the community.)
  • Ông ấy là thần phụ trong lễ rửa tội của tôi. (He was the godfather at my baptism.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used within Christian, particularly Catholic, contexts in Vietnam. It emphasizes a relationship of spiritual authority and care, distinct from a biological father.

Variants and Related Words

• Cha đỡ đầu (n): A more common and general term for "godfather."
  • Cha đỡ đầu của bé là một người bạn thân của gia đình. (The child's godfather is a close friend of the family.)

Synonyms

• Spiritual guide
• Religious mentor
• Godfather (religious context)

Related Idioms

• While there is no direct idiom with "thần phụ", the concept is related to the duty of spiritual guidance, as in the phrase (sacred responsibility).