trấn thủ
Definition
Verb (archaic):
- To garrison; to defend a territory or strategic area: To be stationed in and responsible for the military defense and security of a region, especially a remote or border outpost.
- To govern a strategic region: To hold administrative and military command over an area, functioning as its governor or warden.
Noun (historical):
- A garrison commander; a warden: The title for an official appointed to govern and defend a strategic region or military post.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Ông ấy được cử đi trấn thủ vùng biên giới. (He was sent to garrison the border region.)
- "Ba năm trấn thủ lưu đồn..." (A folk verse: "Three years garrisoning a remote outpost...")
- Noun:
- Vị trấn thủ thành này rất được lòng dân. (The warden of this citadel is very popular with the people.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "trấn thủ" is primarily used in historical or literary contexts, referring to the feudal or pre-modern administrative and military system of Vietnam. It is not used for modern military postings or governance.
Variants and Related Words
- Trấn (n, historical): A region or province, often a strategic military district. The verb "trấn" can also mean to pacify or guard.
- Thủ thành (v/n): To defend a citadel; a defender of a citadel.
- Đồn trú (v): To be stationed (modern military term).
Synonyms
- Garrison: To station troops in a location to defend it.
- Defend: To protect from attack.
- Govern (a territory): To administer and control a region.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Trấn thủ lưu đồn": A set phrase from folklore meaning to be stationed at a remote, isolated outpost for a long period, often implying hardship and loneliness.