Significado
Environment influences a person's character.
Contexto cultural
This proverb is often taught in the first years of primary school. It is considered a fundamental 'lesson in being human' (bài học làm người). The emphasis on the 'lamp' reflects the historical prestige of the scholar class in Vietnam, China, and Korea. Knowledge was seen as the only path to social elevation. Today, this proverb is frequently used by parents in big cities like Hanoi and Saigon to justify the high cost of private schools or 'international' environments. In villages, the proverb is used to maintain social order and discourage 'rebellious' behavior that might 'stain' the family's reputation.
Shorten it for impact
In casual conversation, just saying 'Gần mực thì đen' is enough to convey a warning. Everyone knows the second half.
Don't be too judgmental
Using this to describe someone's family or neighborhood can be seen as an insult. Use it carefully.
Significado
Environment influences a person's character.
Shorten it for impact
In casual conversation, just saying 'Gần mực thì đen' is enough to convey a warning. Everyone knows the second half.
Don't be too judgmental
Using this to describe someone's family or neighborhood can be seen as an insult. Use it carefully.
The Lotus Counter-argument
If someone uses this proverb against you, you can counter with 'Gần bùn mà chẳng hôi tanh mùi bùn' to show your strength of character.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Gần mực thì ______, gần đèn thì ______.
The traditional form uses 'đen' (black) and 'rạng' (radiant/bright).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Gần đèn thì rạng'?
A student joins a high-achieving study group and their grades improve.
The student is influenced by a positive, 'bright' environment.
Choose the best response for the mother in this dialogue.
Con: 'Mẹ ơi, con muốn đi chơi với mấy anh xăm trổ đầu ngõ.' - Mẹ: 'Không được, ______.'
The mother is warning the child about a potentially bad influence.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosGần mực thì ______, gần đèn thì ______.
The traditional form uses 'đen' (black) and 'rạng' (radiant/bright).
A student joins a high-achieving study group and their grades improve.
The student is influenced by a positive, 'bright' environment.
Con: 'Mẹ ơi, con muốn đi chơi với mấy anh xăm trổ đầu ngõ.' - Mẹ: 'Không được, ______.'
The mother is warning the child about a potentially bad influence.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasAbsolutely. It is now used to describe online communities and the 'echo chambers' of social media algorithms.
You can, and people will understand, but 'rạng' is the traditional, more poetic version that native speakers prefer.
Yes, calling a person or group 'mực' implies they are a corrupting influence. It is a very strong metaphor.
It applies to everyone. It's used for career advice, choosing a spouse, or picking a neighborhood.
The closest are 'Birds of a feather flock together' or 'You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.'
Frases relacionadas
Ở bầu thì tròn, ở ống thì dài
similarIn a round gourd you are round, in a long tube you are long.
Chọn bạn mà chơi
builds onChoose friends to play with.
Gần bùn mà chẳng hôi tanh mùi bùn
contrastNear mud but not smelling of mud.
Ngưu tầm ngưu, mã tầm mã
similarOxen seek oxen, horses seek horses.
