giữ tiết

Friendly

The Vietnamese phrase "giữ tiết" means "to keep one's chastity" or "to maintain one's virtue." It is often used to describe a widow or a woman who chooses not to remarry after the death of her husband, showing loyalty and respect for their previous relationship.

Usage Instructions:

• "Giữ tiết" is commonly used in cultural and traditional contexts, especially in discussions about family values, respect, and moral standards.
• It can be used in both formal and informal conversations when talking about someone’s decision to remain single after the loss of a spouse.

Example:

• Example Sentence: "Bà ấy đã giữ tiết suốt 10 năm sau khi chồng mất." (She has kept her chastity for 10 years after her husband passed away.)

Advanced Usage:

• The phrase can also reflect broader themes of loyalty and integrity in relationships, not just limited to widows. For instance, it can refer to anyone who chooses to remain faithful to a past love or commitment.

Word Variants:

• "Tiết" can also refer to "virtue" or "chastity" in a more general sense, not only in the context of widowhood.
• Related terms include "giữ gìn" (to preserve) and "tiết hạnh" (virtuous conduct).

Different Meanings:

While "giữ tiết" specifically refers to keeping one's chastity in the context of widowhood, "tiết" on its own can mean "season," "period," or "phase" in different contexts, such as in "tiết trời" (weather season).

Synonyms:

• "Trinh tiết" (virginity, chastity) - often used in contexts relating to purity.
• "Giữ lòng trung thành" (to keep loyalty) - a broader term that can refer to loyalty in various types of relationships.

Academic

1. Keep one's chastity (said of a widow who does not marry again)