Signification
Good company influences you positively
Contexte culturel
In Vietnamese culture, the 'lamp' is a symbol of the 'hiếu học' (fondness for learning) tradition. Many folk tales feature poor students studying by the light of fireflies or the moon, making the 'lamp' a powerful symbol of upward mobility. The proverb reflects the Confucian emphasis on 'Môi trường giáo dục' (educational environment). It justifies why Vietnamese parents are often very strict about who their children befriend. Today, this proverb is often applied to 'Co-working spaces' and 'Startup hubs' like those in District 1, Saigon, where being 'near' innovators is seen as a key to success. In villages, this proverb is used to maintain social order, encouraging families to associate with 'Gia đình văn hóa' (cultured families).
Use the full couplet for impact
If you want to sound truly wise, use 'Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì rạng'. It shows a deeper command of the language.
Don't use for physical light
Remember this is 100% figurative. Using it for literal light will sound like a 'dad joke'.
Signification
Good company influences you positively
Use the full couplet for impact
If you want to sound truly wise, use 'Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì rạng'. It shows a deeper command of the language.
Don't use for physical light
Remember this is 100% figurative. Using it for literal light will sound like a 'dad joke'.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
Gần mực thì đen, gần ___ thì rạng.
The standard proverb uses 'đèn' (lamp) to contrast with 'mực' (ink).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Gần đèn thì rạng'?
An muốn giỏi tiếng Anh nên cô ấy...
The proverb is about surrounding yourself with positive influences to improve.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: 'Dạo này thấy Nam học hành chăm chỉ quá.' B: 'Ừ, nó mới chơi thân với mấy bạn thủ khoa mà. ______.'
Since Nam is hanging out with top students (thủ khoa) and improving, 'Gần đèn thì rạng' is the perfect fit.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesGần mực thì đen, gần ___ thì rạng.
The standard proverb uses 'đèn' (lamp) to contrast with 'mực' (ink).
An muốn giỏi tiếng Anh nên cô ấy...
The proverb is about surrounding yourself with positive influences to improve.
A: 'Dạo này thấy Nam học hành chăm chỉ quá.' B: 'Ừ, nó mới chơi thân với mấy bạn thủ khoa mà. ______.'
Since Nam is hanging out with top students (thủ khoa) and improving, 'Gần đèn thì rạng' is the perfect fit.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsYes, very much so! It's common in self-help contexts and when discussing career choices on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook.
Yes, if your partner has made you a better person, you can say 'Gần em/anh thì rạng'. It's quite a poetic compliment.
Expressions liées
Gần mực thì đen
contrastNear ink, one is black (bad company corrupts).
Chọn bạn mà chơi
similarChoose friends to play with.
Ở bầu thì tròn, ở ống thì dài
similarIn a gourd you are round, in a tube you are long.
Học thầy không tày học bạn
builds onLearning from a teacher is not as effective as learning from friends.
