The Vietnamese word "phẩm hàm" refers to the grades or ranks of mandarins, which were officials in ancient Vietnam and other East Asian countries. This term is often associated with the hierarchical system of government officials and their respective statuses.
While "phẩm hàm" primarily refers to official ranks, it can sometimes be used in a broader sense to talk about the status or level of importance someone holds in various contexts, not just in government.