Bedeutung
Wishing someone strength and safe travels.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The idiom reflects the 'wet rice' culture's emphasis on physical labor and the ability to endure harsh weather and terrain. It is the unofficial motto for families sending sons to military service, symbolizing the transition from a boy to a resilient man. For overseas Vietnamese (Việt Kiều), this phrase is often used in letters to maintain a connection to traditional values of resilience in a new country. In high-pressure tech startups in Saigon or Hanoi, leaders use this idiom to inspire teams before a 'sprint' or a difficult market entry.
Use it in cards
This is the perfect phrase to write in a farewell card. It looks sophisticated and thoughtful.
Don't use for small things
Saying this when someone is going to the kitchen sounds like a joke.
Bedeutung
Wishing someone strength and safe travels.
Use it in cards
This is the perfect phrase to write in a farewell card. It looks sophisticated and thoughtful.
Don't use for small things
Saying this when someone is going to the kitchen sounds like a joke.
Pair with 'Bình an'
Say 'Chân cứng đá mềm, đi đường bình an' to sound like a native speaker.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the idiom in the following sentence.
Chúc con lên đường nhập ngũ, chân _____ đá _____.
The correct idiom is 'chân cứng đá mềm' (hard feet, soft stones).
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to say 'Chân cứng đá mềm'?
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is for long journeys or significant challenges involving endurance.
Choose the best response for Nam.
Lan: 'Tớ lo quá, ngày mai tớ bắt đầu đi làm ở chi nhánh mới tận Hà Giang.' Nam: '_________________'
Nam uses the idiom to encourage Lan before her difficult move to a mountainous province.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Visuelle Lernhilfen
When to use vs. When not to use
Aufgabensammlung
3 AufgabenChúc con lên đường nhập ngũ, chân _____ đá _____.
The correct idiom is 'chân cứng đá mềm' (hard feet, soft stones).
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is for long journeys or significant challenges involving endurance.
Lan: 'Tớ lo quá, ngày mai tớ bắt đầu đi làm ở chi nhánh mới tận Hà Giang.' Nam: '_________________'
Nam uses the idiom to encourage Lan before her difficult move to a mountainous province.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it is a secular folk idiom, though it is often used in contexts where people might also pray for safety.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. It wishes for strength for anyone, regardless of gender.
Yes, especially in formal writing or when sending friends off on big trips like studying abroad.
No, it's a metaphor for your health and willpower becoming stronger than your problems.
Yes, it's a great way to wish a new business owner resilience against market 'stones'.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'Chân yếu tay mềm' (Weak feet, soft hands) describes someone physically frail.
In this context, yes. It represents the hard obstacles of the road.
Simply say 'Cảm ơn' (Thank you) or 'Con cảm ơn ạ' (Thank you, elder).
Yes, it's very common in Zalo or Facebook messages for farewells.
It's neutral-to-formal. It's polite and respectful.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mẹ tròn con vuông
similarWishing for a safe childbirth (Mother round, child square).
Lửa thử vàng, gian nan thử sức
builds onFire tests gold, hardship tests strength.
Vạn sự khởi đầu nan
similarAll things are difficult at the start.
Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn
relatedTravel for a day, learn a sieve full of wisdom.
