Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mean, petty, or base person: Refers to an individual characterized by small-mindedness, spitefulness, or a lack of moral integrity. This person often holds grudges, engages in underhanded schemes, and prioritizes selfish gains over honorable conduct.
   • A contemptible or vile individual: Describes a person considered morally low, unworthy of respect, and often treacherous.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ta đúng là một tiểu nhân, luôn tìm cách hại người sau lưng. (He is truly a mean person, always looking for ways to harm others behind their backs.)
  • Đừng để những lời nói của kẻ tiểu nhân ảnh hưởng đến bạn. (Don't let the words of a vile person affect you.)
  • Hành động đó chỉ phù hợp với loại tiểu nhân. (That kind of action is only fitting for a base individual.)

Advanced Usage

• In classical Confucian philosophy, "tiểu nhân" (小人) is often contrasted with "quân tử" (君子 - the noble person or gentleman). The "tiểu nhân" acts for personal profit and is driven by selfish desires, while the "quân tử" acts with virtue and righteousness.
  • Trong luận ngữ, Khổng Tử thường phân biệt giữa quân tử và tiểu nhân. (In the Analects, Confucius often distinguished between the noble person and the petty person.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kẻ tiểu nhân (n): A common phrasing emphasizing the contemptible nature of the person.
  • Kẻ tiểu nhân đó không đáng để ta bận tâm. (That contemptible person is not worth our concern.)

Synonyms

• Mean person: An unkind, spiteful individual.
• Petty individual: A person concerned with trivial matters, especially in a small-minded or grudging way.
• Villain: A character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot (in narratives); a scoundrel.
• Scoundrel: A dishonest or unscrupulous person.

Related Idioms

• Tiểu nhân đắc chí: A petty person who becomes smug upon achieving a small success or gaining temporary advantage.
  • Cứ mặc kệ hắn, đó chỉ là cảnh tiểu nhân đắc chí mà thôi. (Just ignore him; it's merely the scene of a petty person gloating over a minor success.)

noun

1. mean person