vinh, khô, đắc, táng

Definition

1. Idiomatic Phrase (Thành ngữ):
   • Prosperity and decay, gain and loss: A classical Vietnamese idiom denoting the inevitable cycles of fortune and misfortune, success and failure, in human life. It conveys the philosophical idea that these are natural, unavoidable changes, and a wise person should not be overly concerned or attached to them.

Usage Examples

• Idiomatic Phrase:
  • Đời người có vinh, khô, đắc, táng, nên giữ tâm thái bình thản. (In life, there is prosperity and decay, gain and loss, so one should maintain a calm attitude.)
  • Người quân tử xem nhẹ chuyện vinh, khô, đắc, táng. (A noble person regards matters of fortune and misfortune, gain and loss lightly.)

Advanced Usage

• This phrase is primarily used in formal, literary, or philosophical contexts to discuss life's vicissitudes. It is often employed to advise detachment, resilience, and a long-term perspective.

Variants and Related Words

• Được mất (idiom): gain and loss.
  • Không nên quá bận tâm về chuyện được mất. (One should not be overly preoccupied with gain and loss.)
• Thịnh suy (idiom): prosperity and decline.
  • Một triều đại nào cũng trải qua thịnh suy. (Every dynasty goes through periods of prosperity and decline.)

Synonyms

• The vicissitudes of life: the changes and ups and downs of life.
• Fortune and misfortune: good luck and bad luck.
• Weal and woe: happiness and suffering.

Related Idioms

• Sông có khúc, người có lúc: The river has bends, people have different times (i.e., life has its ups and downs).
  • Đừng lo lắng, sông có khúc, người có lúc. (Don't worry, life has its ups and downs.)
• Họa vô đơn chí, phúc bất trùng lai: Misfortune never comes singly, but good fortune does not return (i.e., troubles come in clusters, but good luck is rare).
  • Anh ta vừa mất việc rồi bị ốm, đúng là họa vô đơn chí. (He lost his job and then got sick, truly misfortune never comes singly.)