thần thế
Definition
- Noun:
- Power and influence: The combined state of having significant authority, social standing, and the ability to affect people and events. It implies a position of strength derived from status, wealth, or connections.
- A powerful and influential person: Refers to an individual who wields such power and influence.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ông ta có thần thế lớn trong giới kinh doanh. (He has great power and influence in the business world.)
- Những kẻ có thần thế thường không sợ luật pháp. (Those who are powerful and influential often do not fear the law.)
- Đám cưới đó có mặt đủ các bậc thần thế trong thành phố. (All the powerful and influential figures in the city attended that wedding.)
Advanced Usage
- The term often carries a slightly critical or observational tone, highlighting social inequality or the undue advantage that comes from connections rather than merit.
- Công việc đó đòi hỏi phải có thần thế mới xin được. (That job requires you to have connections and influence to get it.)
Variants and Related Words
Thế lực (n): force, power, faction. Often used for political or organized power.
- Các thế lực thù địch (hostile forces)
Uy thế (n): prestige, authority. Emphasizes respected authority more than backroom influence.
- Uy thế của một vị tướng (the prestige of a general)
Synonyms
- Clout: Informal influence or power, especially in politics or business.
- Sway: The power to influence or control.
- Influence: The capacity to have an effect on someone or something.
- Pull: Informal term for personal influence or advantage.
Related Idioms
Có thần thế: To be well-connected; to have pull.
- Hắn làm được việc đó vì có thần thế. (He managed to do that because he has connections.)
Dựa vào thần thế: To rely on someone's power and influence.
- Họ dựa vào thần thế của cha mẹ để tiến thân. (They rely on their parents' influence to get ahead.)