gần mục thì đen gần đèn thì sáng

/ɣan mɨk tʰi ɗen ɣan ɗen tʰi saːŋ/

proverb★Intermediate◆proverb

◆ What It Really Means

The absence of supervision leads to negative behavior, while the presence of guidance leads to positive outcomes.

¶ Literal Meaning

When close to the target, it becomes dark; when close to the light, it becomes bright.

Literal Breakdown

gần mụcclose to the target+thì đenthen it becomes dark+gần đènclose to the light+thì sángthen it becomes bright

◇ Mental Image

The proverb uses the contrast between darkness and light to symbolize the difference between negative and positive behavior.

◈ When to Use

A parent might use this proverb to remind their child to follow rules when they are not around, as the child might otherwise misbehave.

◉ Cultural Note

This proverb reflects traditional Vietnamese values about the importance of discipline and guidance in raising children.

informal

The absence of supervision or guidance leads to negative behavior, while the presence of guidance leads to positive outcomes.

Khi cha mẹ đi công tác, con trai thường gần mục thì đen.

When the parents go on a business trip, the son tends to misbehave.

💡

This proverb emphasizes the importance of supervision and guidance in maintaining good behavior.

Synonyms

Related Phrases

gần mục thì đenphrase

When left unsupervised, one tends to misbehave or act negatively.

gần đèn thì sángphrase

When under guidance or supervision, one tends to behave positively or improve.

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This proverb is often used in Vietnamese families to emphasize the importance of parental guidance and discipline.

⚡Gold Rule

Usage in Parenting

This proverb is commonly used by parents to remind children of the importance of following rules and guidelines.

📖Word Origin

This proverb originates from Vietnamese folklore and reflects traditional values about discipline and guidance.

📝Usage Notes

This proverb is often used to caution against neglecting supervision or guidance, as it can lead to negative consequences.

Word Breakdown

gần mục

close to the target (often negative)

phrase

thì đen

then it becomes dark (metaphor for misbehavior)

phrase

gần đèn

close to the light (often positive)

phrase

thì sáng

then it becomes bright (metaphor for good behavior)

phrase

Từ Điển Việt Anh

gần mục thì đen gần đèn thì sáng

/ɣan mɨk tʰi ɗen ɣan ɗen tʰi saːŋ/

proverb★Intermediate◆proverb

◆ What It Really Means

The absence of supervision leads to negative behavior, while the presence of guidance leads to positive outcomes.

¶ Literal Meaning

When close to the target, it becomes dark; when close to the light, it becomes bright.

Literal Breakdown

gần mụcclose to the target+thì đenthen it becomes dark+gần đènclose to the light+thì sángthen it becomes bright

◇ Mental Image

The proverb uses the contrast between darkness and light to symbolize the difference between negative and positive behavior.

◈ When to Use

A parent might use this proverb to remind their child to follow rules when they are not around, as the child might otherwise misbehave.

◉ Cultural Note

This proverb reflects traditional Vietnamese values about the importance of discipline and guidance in raising children.

informal

The absence of supervision or guidance leads to negative behavior, while the presence of guidance leads to positive outcomes.

Khi cha mẹ đi công tác, con trai thường gần mục thì đen.

When the parents go on a business trip, the son tends to misbehave.

💡

This proverb emphasizes the importance of supervision and guidance in maintaining good behavior.

Synonyms

Related Phrases

gần mục thì đenphrase

When left unsupervised, one tends to misbehave or act negatively.

gần đèn thì sángphrase

When under guidance or supervision, one tends to behave positively or improve.

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This proverb is often used in Vietnamese families to emphasize the importance of parental guidance and discipline.

⚡Gold Rule

Usage in Parenting

This proverb is commonly used by parents to remind children of the importance of following rules and guidelines.

📖Word Origin

This proverb originates from Vietnamese folklore and reflects traditional values about discipline and guidance.

📝Usage Notes

This proverb is often used to caution against neglecting supervision or guidance, as it can lead to negative consequences.

Word Breakdown

gần mục

close to the target (often negative)

phrase

thì đen

then it becomes dark (metaphor for misbehavior)

phrase

gần đèn

close to the light (often positive)

phrase

thì sáng

then it becomes bright (metaphor for good behavior)

phrase

Từ Điển Việt Anh