Definition

1. Noun:
   • Social standing or rank: Refers to a person's position, status, or level of seniority within a family, community, or professional hierarchy, often determined by age, generation, or achievement.
   • Influence or clout: Denotes the authority, prestige, or influential power a person holds due to their recognized position or reputation in a social or professional circle.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông ấy có vai vế lớn trong dòng họ. (He holds a high rank within the clan.)
  • Cô ấy là người có vai vế trong giới học thuật. (She is a person of influence in academic circles.)
  • Trong làng, việc này phải hỏi ý kiến những người có vai vế. (In the village, this matter must be consulted with people of standing.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contexts emphasizing traditional social structures, family lineages, or professional hierarchies where respect for seniority and position is important.
• It can imply a responsibility that comes with one's position.

Variants and Related Words

• Địa vị (n): Position, status. (A more general term for social or professional position.)
• Thế lực (n): Power, force. (Often implies more tangible power or faction.)
• Uy tín (n): Prestige, reputation. (Focuses more on earned respect than inherent rank.)

Synonyms

• Status: Relative social or professional position.
• Seniority: Higher rank due to age or length of service.
• Stature: Importance or reputation gained by ability or achievement.
• Clout: Influence or power, especially in politics or business.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Có vai có vế: To be a person of considerable standing and influence.
  • Hội đồng gia tộc gồm toàn những người có vai có vế. (The family council consists entirely of people of considerable standing.)