TheVietnameseword "thánh" hasa fewmeaningsand uses, which can be understood in different contexts.
BasicMeaning:
Saint (noun): In a religiouscontext, "thánh" refersto a saint, someonewho is recognizedfortheirholinessandvirtue, oftencanonized in Christianity or revered in other religions. Forexample, "thánh Phanxicô" means "Saint Francis."
Swell (adjective): In informalslang, "thánh" can be usedtodescribesomeonewho is exceptionallygood at something, likesayingsomeone is a "master" or "expert."
Usage Instructions:
Whenusing "thánh" in thecontext of a saint, it is typicallycombinedwiththename of thesaint or used in phrasesrelatedtoreligious discussions.
In a morecasualcontext, you can use "thánh" tocomplimentsomeone'sskills or abilities.
Examples:
Religiouscontext: "Tôicầu nguyệnvớithánh" (I praytothesaint).
Casualcontext: "Cậuấythánhđánh bóngrổ" (He is a master at basketball).
AdvancedUsage:
In some phrases, "thánh" can imply a higherlevel of admiration. Forexample, "thánhnhạc" referstosomeonewho is exceptionallygood at singing or music.
"Thánh nhân" translatesto "holyperson" and can be used in religiousliterature or discussions.
Word Variants:
Thánhhóa: Thismeans "tosanctify" or "tomakeholy."
Thánhthiện: Thismeans "holy" or "virtuous."
Different Meanings:
Thánh can also be used in a morecolloquialsensetodescribesomeonewho is overlydramatic or exaggerated, especially in expressions of emotions or reactions.
Synonyms:
For "saint," youmightalsosee "thánh nhân," referringto a holyperson.
Fortheinformalsense of being an expert, synonymscouldinclude "bậc thầy" (master) or "chuyên gia" (specialist).