The Vietnamese word "thế tộc" refers to a "mandarin family" or a family that belongs to the scholarly or bureaucratic class in Vietnam, especially during the feudal period. This term can be broken down into two parts: "thế," which often relates to generations or lineage, and "tộc," which means clan or family. Together, they emphasize the concept of a family that has status and influence, typically because of its scholarly achievements or government roles.