Signification
Discarding old things for new ones.
Contexte culturel
The proverb is often used to teach children the value of 'Tình nghĩa' (gratitude and loyalty). It is a core part of moral education in schools. In traditional weddings, the groom is often reminded not to be 'có mới nới cũ' with his parents after getting a wife. With the rise of smartphone culture in Vietnam, this phrase is now frequently used in tech reviews and social media comments to mock 'fanboys'. Classic poets like Nguyễn Du often used themes of loyalty to criticize the 'có mới nới cũ' nature of the feudal society.
Use with caution
Calling someone 'có mới nới cũ' is a direct insult to their character. Use it carefully!
The 'Nới' factor
Remember that 'nới' is the key. It's not just about having something new, it's about the *neglect* of the old.
Signification
Discarding old things for new ones.
Use with caution
Calling someone 'có mới nới cũ' is a direct insult to their character. Use it carefully!
The 'Nới' factor
Remember that 'nới' is the key. It's not just about having something new, it's about the *neglect* of the old.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
Có mới ___ cũ.
The standard proverb is 'Có mới nới cũ'.
In which situation is this proverb appropriate?
Lan has a new boyfriend and she stops talking to her best friend of 10 years.
Abandoning a long-term friend for a new person is the definition of 'có mới nới cũ'.
Match the word to its literal meaning in the proverb.
Match the following:
These are the literal translations of the four components.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
New vs Old Mentality
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesCó mới ___ cũ.
The standard proverb is 'Có mới nới cũ'.
Lan has a new boyfriend and she stops talking to her best friend of 10 years.
Abandoning a long-term friend for a new person is the definition of 'có mới nới cũ'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the literal translations of the four components.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNo, it can be about objects, habits, or even ideas. However, it's most impactful when used about relationships.
No, it's a traditional proverb (tục ngữ), but it's used very naturally in casual speech.
Yes, usually in a self-deprecating way, like 'Tôi là người có mới nới cũ với quần áo' (I'm fickle with clothes).
Expressions liées
Có trăng quên đèn
similarHave the moon, forget the lamp.
Ăn cháo đá bát
builds onEat the porridge, kick the bowl.
Uống nước nhớ nguồn
contrastWhen drinking water, remember the source.
Thay lòng đổi dạ
synonymChange one's heart and stomach (mind).
