Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To have regard/consideration for; to show deference/respect towards: The primary meaning of "vị nể" is to act with consideration, respect, or deference towards someone, often due to their status, age, relationship, or feelings. It implies a deliberate restraint in one's actions or words to avoid causing offense or hurt.
   • To make allowances for; to be lenient out of respect: It can also mean to treat someone with special leniency or to overlook a fault because of personal respect or consideration for their position.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy không chỉ trích vì còn vị nể bạn cũ. (He did not criticize because he still had regard for his old friend.)
  • Cô giáo vị nể gia đình nên nhắc nhở nhẹ nhàng. (The teacher, showing consideration for the family, gave a gentle reminder.)
  • Chúng tôi phải vị nể ông ấy vì ông là trưởng làng. (We must show deference to him because he is the village chief.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contexts involving social hierarchy, seniority, or close personal relationships where maintaining harmony and face is important. It describes a social lubricant, a conscious choice to act respectfully even when one might have the right or power to act otherwise.

Variants and Related Words

• Nể (v): to respect, to hold in high regard. This is the core component of "vị nể."
  • Tôi rất nể khả năng của anh ấy. (I greatly respect his ability.)
• Trọng vị (v): to esteem, to hold in high position (more formal).
• Kiêng nể (v): to refrain from doing something out of respect or superstition.

Synonyms

• To have regard for: To show consideration or respect.
• To defer to: To yield respectfully to the judgment or wishes of another.
• To make allowances for: To consider mitigating circumstances and judge less harshly.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Vị tình vị nghĩa: To act out of consideration for feelings and righteousness. This phrase shares the concept of acting based on sentimental or moral obligation.
  • Vị tình vị nghĩa, anh ta đã giúp đỡ họ. (Out of consideration for sentiment and duty, he helped them.)
• Nể mặt: To save face for someone; to show respect for someone's dignity or reputation.
  • Tôi nể mặt anh nên không nói ra. (I saved your face, so I didn't say it.)