tài trai
Definition
- Noun (Archaic/Literary):
- A man of worth; a true man: Refers to a man who possesses the admirable qualities, character, or capability expected of a respectable gentleman. It emphasizes living up to the ideal of manhood.
- A capable and promising young man: Specifically denotes a young man who shows talent, potential, and the qualities to become a successful and distinguished person.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Tài trai thì phải làm cho nên danh nên vị. (A true man must strive to achieve fame and position.)
- Chàng thanh niên ấy thật là một trang tài trai. (That youth is truly a capable and promising young man.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "tài trai" is now considered archaic and is primarily found in classical Vietnamese literature, historical texts, or used in a deliberately poetic or formal style to evoke a bygone era. It carries a connotation of Confucian or traditional masculine ideals.
Variants and Related Words
- Trai tráng (n): Young men in their prime, emphasizing physical strength and youth.
- Hào kiệt (n): A hero; a person of extraordinary ability and spirit.
Synonyms
- Man of character: A man with moral strength and integrity.
- A promising man: A man likely to be successful in the future.
- A worthy man: A man deserving of respect and honor.
Related Idioms
- "Làm nên danh nên vị": To achieve fame and a high position. This phrase is often associated with the expectation for a "tài trai".
- Kẻ tài trai phải mong làm nên danh nên vị. (A worthy man must aspire to achieve fame and position.)