Signification
Maintain one's dignity and honor despite poverty
Contexte culturel
This idiom is a cornerstone of Vietnamese education. Children are taught this in primary school to build a foundation of 'Lòng tự trọng' (self-respect). The idiom reflects the 'Tam Cương Ngũ Thường' (Three Bonds and Five Virtues) where 'Nghĩa' (Righteousness) is placed above 'Lợi' (Profit). In big cities like Saigon or Hanoi, this phrase is often used to criticize the 'nouveau riche' who have money but lack the 'lề' (manners/ethics). For overseas Vietnamese, 'giữ lấy lề' often means preserving the Vietnamese language and customs in a foreign land.
Use it to decline
If someone offers you a 'shortcut' that feels wrong, use this phrase. It's a polite but firm way to say 'No' based on your principles.
Don't sound arrogant
If you use it to describe yourself too often, you might sound like you're bragging about your own virtue. Use it more for others or as a general rule.
Signification
Maintain one's dignity and honor despite poverty
Use it to decline
If someone offers you a 'shortcut' that feels wrong, use this phrase. It's a polite but firm way to say 'No' based on your principles.
Don't sound arrogant
If you use it to describe yourself too often, you might sound like you're bragging about your own virtue. Use it more for others or as a general rule.
Teste-toi
Complete the idiom with the correct word.
Giấy rách phải giữ lấy ___.
The word 'lề' means margin and is the correct component of this fixed idiom.
Which situation best describes 'Giấy rách phải giữ lấy lề'?
A person is poor but...
The idiom is about maintaining integrity (not lying) despite poverty.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Gia đình họ nghèo quá, chắc họ sẽ làm mọi cách để có tiền.' Speaker B: 'Không đâu, họ là người...'
Speaker B is defending their integrity, so 'giấy rách phải giữ lấy lề' is the only positive and relevant idiom.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesGiấy rách phải giữ lấy ___.
The word 'lề' means margin and is the correct component of this fixed idiom.
A person is poor but...
The idiom is about maintaining integrity (not lying) despite poverty.
Speaker A: 'Gia đình họ nghèo quá, chắc họ sẽ làm mọi cách để có tiền.' Speaker B: 'Không đâu, họ là người...'
Speaker B is defending their integrity, so 'giấy rách phải giữ lấy lề' is the only positive and relevant idiom.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, in this specific idiom, 'lề' refers to the margin or binding of a book. It's a common mistake for learners because 'lề đường' (sidewalk) is a very common word.
Yes, but mostly in serious discussions or when talking about ethics. You won't hear it in a club, but you will hear it in a university or at home.
Technically, the idiom implies a state of 'rách' (torn/poor). If you are rich, it's better to use 'đói cho sạch' or simply talk about 'liêm chính' (integrity).
They are almost identical in meaning. 'Giấy rách' is slightly more formal and literary, while 'Đói cho sạch' is more common in daily speech.
Expressions liées
Đói cho sạch, rách cho thơm
synonymIf hungry, be clean; if in rags, be fragrant.
Gần bùn mà chẳng hôi tanh mùi bùn
similarLiving in mud but not smelling of it.
Mất lòng trước, được lòng sau
contrastDisplease at first, please later (by being honest).
