bề tôi

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "bề tôi" is a noun that translates to "subject" or "vassal" in English. It is often used to refer to someone who is loyal to a ruler or authority, highlighting a relationship of servitude or allegiance.

Basic Definition:

• Meaning: A "bề tôi" is someone who is under the authority of a king, ruler, or leader, and shows loyalty to that person.
• Example: "Một bề tôi trung thành" means "a loyal subject."

Usage Instructions:

You can use "bề tôi" when talking about historical contexts, such as in discussions about kings, emperors, or feudal systems. It's often used to express loyalty and duty.

Example Sentences:

1. Historical Context: "Trong triều đại phong kiến, bề tôi phải tôn kính vua."
   (In the feudal dynasty, subjects had to respect the king.)

2. Loyalty Context: "Ông ấy được coi là một bề tôi trung thành của nhà vua."
   (He is considered a loyal subject of the king.)

Advanced Usage:

In modern contexts, "bề tôi" can also imply a sense of subservience in relationships, such as in workplaces or organizations. It can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is overly submissive to authority.

Word Variants:

• Bề tôi (subject/vassal)
• Bề tôi trung thành (loyal subject)
• Bề tôi bất trung (disloyal subject)

Different Meanings:

While "bề tôi" primarily refers to a subject or vassal, it can also carry connotations of servitude or dependence. In literary or poetic contexts, it might evoke loyalty in a more romantic or exaggerated manner.

Synonyms:

• Thần dân: This also means "subjects" or "citizens," often used in a royal or formal context.
• Phục tùng: This means "to obey" or "to submit," which has a related meaning but focuses more on the act of submission.

Academic

noun

1. Subject, vassal
   • một bề tôi trung thành
     a loyal subject