trưởng tộc
Definition
- Noun:
- Clan patriarch / Family head: The male leader or eldest representative of a clan or extended family lineage, traditionally responsible for its rituals, genealogy, and welfare.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Mọi quyết định quan trọng của dòng họ đều phải được trưởng tộc đồng ý. (All important decisions of the lineage must be approved by the clan patriarch.)
- Vị trưởng tộc già đang giữ cuốn gia phả cổ. (The old family head is keeping the ancient genealogy book.)
- Lễ cúng tổ tiên do trưởng tộc chủ trì. (The ancestor worship ceremony is presided over by the clan elder.)
Advanced Usage
- The role of a is deeply rooted in Confucian family structure and Vietnamese tradition. His authority is often linked to the most senior direct male descendant of the founding ancestor.
- In modern contexts, the title may be ceremonial or honorary, but it still signifies respect and a symbolic link to family tradition.
Variants and Related Words
- Trưởng họ (n): A direct synonym, meaning "head of the clan/family name." Often used interchangeably with .
- Ông ấy được bầu làm trưởng họ nhiệm kỳ mới. (He was elected as the new clan head.)
- Tộc trưởng (n): A less common variant with the same meaning, literally "clan-chief."
- Gia trưởng (n): Patriarch, specifically of a nuclear household. It can have a narrower (immediate family) or more authoritarian connotation than .
Synonyms
- Clan elder
- Family patriarch
- Lineage head
Related Concepts
- Gia phả (n): Family annals, genealogy records often kept by the .
- Họ (n): Surname, clan, or extended family sharing a common name and ancestor.
- Tổ tiên (n): Ancestors, whose worship is a key duty of the .