khôn thiêng

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The Vietnamese word "khôn thiêng" refers to the concept of the spirits of deceased ancestors being wise and sacred. It is often used in the context of honoring these ancestors and seeking their protection and blessings for their descendants.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: "khôn thiêng" is typically used when talking about ancestors or spirits in a respectful and reverent manner. It is common in Vietnamese culture to honor ancestors, especially during festivals or family gatherings.
• Common Phrases: You might hear phrases such as "Ông bà khôn thiêng phù hộ" which means "May the wise and sacred spirits of our ancestors bless us."

Example:

• "Chúng ta nên thờ cúng ông bà khôn thiêng để cầu mong sức khỏe và bình an."
  • Translation: "We should worship the wise and sacred spirits of our ancestors to pray for health and peace."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "khôn thiêng" can be discussed in relation to traditional Vietnamese beliefs about ancestor worship and the importance of maintaining a connection with family heritage. It can also be used in literature or poetry to evoke feelings of nostalgia and reverence for family ties.

Word Variants:

• Khôn: This part of the term means "wise" or "intelligent."
• Thiêng: This part means "sacred" or "holy."

Different Meanings:

While "khôn thiêng" primarily refers to the spirits of ancestors, "khôn" on its own can also mean "clever" or "smart," and "thiêng" can refer to anything that is considered sacred or holy, such as places or objects.

Synonyms:

• Thiêng liêng: This means "sacred" and is often used to describe something that is holy or revered, similar to "khôn thiêng" in terms of reverence.
• Linh hồn: This means "soul" and can be used when talking about the essence of a person, especially in the context of the deceased.

Summary:

In summary, "khôn thiêng" is an important term in Vietnamese culture that reflects the respect for ancestors and the belief in their continued presence and influence over the lives of their descendants.

Academic

1. Capable of being propitiated (nói về linh hồn người chết)
   • Ông bà khôn thiêng thì về phù hộ cho con cháu
     May the soul of their grandparents be propitiated and give protection to them