thủ thường
Definition
- Adjective:
- Content with one's lot and adhering to convention: Describes a person who is satisfied with their current situation and does not seek change, while also consistently following established norms and customs. It implies a passive acceptance of one's position in life and a cautious, rule-abiding nature.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Ông ấy là người thủ thường, không bao giờ mơ ước việc lớn. (He is a thủ thường person, never dreaming of big things.)
- Tính cách thủ thường khiến anh ấy không dám chấp nhận rủi ro. (His thủ thường character makes him afraid to take risks.)
Advanced Usage
- The term often carries a slightly negative or limiting connotation, suggesting a lack of ambition, innovation, or courage to break from tradition.
- It can be used to describe a mindset or approach to life that prioritizes stability and conformity over ambition and change.
Variants and Related Words
- An phận thủ thường: This is the most common four-word idiom form, encapsulating the full meaning: to be content with one's lot and keep to the usual way.
- Cô ấy chọn lối sống an phận thủ thường. (She chose a lifestyle of being content with her lot and keeping to the usual way.)
Synonyms
- Unambitious: having no desire for success or achievement.
- Conformist: following established customs and norms.
- Conservative: resistant to change, holding to traditional attitudes.
Related Idioms
- An phận: to be content with one's lot.
- Họ sống một cuộc đời an phận. (They live a life content with their lot.)
- The concept is central to the common four-word idiom "an phận thủ thường", which is the standard and complete expression of this idea.