Definition

1. Noun:

   • Self-respect; sense of one's own dignity: A feeling of pride and confidence in one's own worth and value.
   • Pride (in a positive sense): A justifiable and healthy satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, qualities, or associations (e.g., national pride).

2. Adjective (as a component in compound terms):

   • Superiority (in psychological contexts): Used in the compound "mặc cảm tự tôn" to mean a superiority complex.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ấy có lòng tự tôn rất cao. (He has a very strong sense of self-respect.)
  • Lòng tự tôn dân tộc là điều đáng quý. (National pride is something precious.)
• Adjective (in compound):
  • Đừng để mặc cảm tự tôn chi phối hành động. (Don't let a superiority complex dictate your actions.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "tự tôn" is often used in formal, literary, or psychological contexts. It carries a positive connotation when used alone to describe a healthy sense of dignity. Its negative aspect is only expressed when combined with "mặc cảm" (complex).

Variants and Related Words

• Tự trọng (n): Self-esteem, self-respect. Often used interchangeably with "tự tôn," though "tự trọng" can emphasize moral principles and integrity.
  • Cô ấy là người có lòng tự trọng. (She is a person with self-respect.)
• Tự hào (v, adj): To be proud of, proud. Refers more to the feeling of pride about something specific.
  • Chúng tôi tự hào về truyền thống của mình. (We are proud of our tradition.)

Synonyms

• Self-respect: A proper regard for the dignity of one's character.
• Dignity: The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
• Pride: A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements.

Related Idioms

• Lòng tự tôn dân tộc: National pride; a sense of collective dignity and respect for one's nation.
  • Sự kiện đó khơi dậy lòng tự tôn dân tộc. (That event stirred up national pride.)