Definition

1. Pronoun (archaic, humble):

   • I, me: A humble and respectful first-person pronoun used by a male speaker when addressing someone of equal or similar social status. It conveys modesty and formality, similar to "this younger brother" referring to himself.

2. Noun (literary):

   • Order, rank, grade: Refers to a level in a sequence, series, or hierarchy, often used in classical contexts.

3. Verb (formal):

   • To submit, to present: To formally hand over or present something (like a document or petition) to a superior authority, such as a government office or a senior person.

Usage Examples

• Pronoun:
  • Đệ xin phép được trình bày. (I humbly request permission to present.)
• Noun:
  • Lớp đệ tam. (The third form/grade.)
• Verb:
  • Đệ kiến nghị lên chính phủ. (To submit a petition to the government.)

Advanced Usage

• The pronoun "đệ" is almost exclusively found in historical texts, period dramas, or very formal, traditional writing. Its use in modern spoken Vietnamese is extremely rare and would sound archaic.
• In classical Sino-Vietnamese compounds, "đệ" often relates to sequence or submission.

Variants and Related Words

• Đệ tử (n): Disciple, pupil.
  • Ông ấy có nhiều đệ tử. (He has many disciples.)
• Đệ trình (v): To submit, to present (a report, document).
  • Đệ trình báo cáo lên cấp trên. (To submit a report to superiors.)
• Đệ tam (n): The third (in order).
• Tiểu đệ (n): A humble term for "I, me" (literally "little younger brother"), used similarly to "đệ".

Synonyms

• Pronoun: ta, tôi (I, me - but less humble/archaic than "đệ").
• Noun: thứ bậc, bậc (rank, grade).
• Verb: trình, nộp, dâng (to submit, to present).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary modern understanding of "đệ" is as a root in compound words (like , ). Its standalone use as a pronoun or verb is now largely obsolete.
• The meaning of "younger brother" is inherent in the Sino-Vietnamese root of the word and explains its use as a humble first-person pronoun. This meaning is now only seen in compounds like "huynh đệ" (brothers).

1. (cũ) I, me (Từ dùng tự xưng một cách thân mật khi nói với
   • người ngang hàng)
2. (cũ) Order, rank
   • Lớp đệ tam
     The third form
3. Submit, lay
   • Đệ kiến nghị lên chính phủ xét
     To submit a petition to the Government for consideration