thân phận
[tʰən˧˧ fən˧˨ʔ]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(noun) low status; unfortunate plight
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
biết thân biết phậnto know one's place
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(noun) identity; status
Common questions
What does “thân phận” mean?
(noun) low status; unfortunate plight
Is “thân phận” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.