kẻ cả

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The Vietnamese word "kẻ cả" refers to someone who has a superior attitude or considers themselves to be above others. In English, it can be translated as "self-styled superior" or "arrogant person." This term is often used to describe someone who speaks or behaves in a condescending or patronizing manner, as if they are more knowledgeable or important than others.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: Use "kẻ cả" to describe someone who displays arrogance or a sense of superiority in their interactions with others.
• Tone: The term has a negative connotation, so it is often used in disapproval or criticism.

Example:

• "Anh ta nói chuyện với mọi người như một kẻ cả." (He talks to everyone as if he is a self-styled superior.)

Advanced Usage:

• In more formal contexts, you might use "kẻ cả" in discussions about social hierarchies or power dynamics, where someone's attitude or behavior reflects an inflated sense of self-importance.

Word Variants:

• "Kẻ cả" can function as a noun, and there are no direct derivatives in common usage, but you might encounter related terms that describe similar attitudes, like "kiêu ngạo" (arrogance) or "tự phụ" (self-conceit).

Different Meanings:

• While "kẻ cả" primarily refers to a person's superior attitude, it can also imply being an elder or someone with authority in certain contexts, as seen in the example: "bác là kẻ cả trong làng," meaning "you are one of the village elders." However, in this case, it's more about respect due to age or status rather than an arrogant attitude.

Synonyms:

• Some synonyms for "kẻ cả" include:
  • "kiêu ngạo" (arrogant)
  • "tự phụ" (conceited)
  • "trịch thượng" (haughty)

Academic

1. Self-styled superior
   • Nói giọng kẻ cả
     To speak in the stone of a self-styled superior, to speak in a superior tone
2. Elder, senior.
   • "Bác là kẻ cả trong làng". (Trạng Quỳnh)
     You are of the village 's elders'number