tu nhân tích đức
Definition
- Noun phrase (Traditional moral concept):
- To cultivate one's character and accumulate virtue: A Confucian-inspired idiom describing the lifelong process of moral self-improvement and performing good deeds to build up merit. It emphasizes inner moral refinement ("tu nhân") and outward benevolent actions ("tích đức").
Usage Examples
- Noun phrase:
- Ông cụ cả đời tu nhân tích đức, nên được mọi người kính trọng. (The old man spent his whole life cultivating character and accumulating virtue, so he is respected by everyone.)
- Theo quan niệm xưa, tu nhân tích đức sẽ để phúc cho con cháu. (According to traditional belief, cultivating character and accumulating virtue will bring blessings to one's descendants.)
Advanced Usage
- This phrase is often used in a reflective or advisory context, commenting on a person's lifelong moral conduct and its perceived consequences. It carries a traditional, sometimes spiritual, connotation linking personal morality to familial fortune or karma.
Variants and Related Words
- Tu thân (v): to cultivate oneself, to improve one's moral character.
- Trước khi muốn giúp đời, phải biết tu thân. (Before wanting to help the world, one must know how to cultivate oneself.)
- Tích đức (v): to accumulate virtue/good deeds.
- Làm việc thiện là cách để tích đức. (Doing good deeds is a way to accumulate virtue.)
Synonyms
- Cultivate virtue and morality: To develop moral excellence consciously.
- Lead a virtuous life: To live according to high moral standards.
Related Idioms
- Ăn ở có đức: to live a virtuous life (focusing on behavior and dwelling).
- Bà ấy ăn ở có đức nên gặp nhiều may mắn. (She lives a virtuous life, so she encounters much good fortune.)
- Ở hiền gặp lành: kindness begets goodness; the good meet with good fortune.
- Mọi người tin rằng ở hiền gặp lành. (People believe that kindness begets goodness.)