The Vietnamese word "tục ngữ" means "proverb" in English. A proverb is a short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice. Proverbs often reflect the culture and values of a society.
In literature or speeches, "tục ngữ" can be used to add depth to arguments or convey wisdom succinctly. For example, a speaker might say, "Như tục ngữ đã nói, ‘không thầy đố mày làm nên,’ để nhấn mạnh tầm quan trọng của việc học hỏi từ người khác." - Translation: "As the proverb says, 'Without a teacher, you cannot succeed,' to emphasize the importance of learning from others."
While "tục ngữ" primarily refers to proverbs, it can sometimes be used more broadly to encapsulate traditional sayings or wisdom that aren't strictly proverbs.