Definition

Noun: - My darling; my dear: A term of endearment historically used by a king or emperor to address a favored consort or concubine when speaking directly to her. It conveys deep affection and intimacy within a royal context.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • "Ái khanh, hôm nay trẫm rất vui." ("My darling, today I am very happy.")
  • Nhà vua dịu dàng nói: "Ái khanh có muốn đi dạo trong vườn không?" (The king said gently: "My dear, would you like to take a walk in the garden?")

Advanced Usage

• This term is archaic and highly specific. Its use is almost exclusively found in historical contexts, period literature, dramas, or films depicting feudal Vietnamese courts. It is not used in modern conversation.
• The term inherently indicates a power dynamic, where the speaker (the monarch) holds supreme status over the person being addressed (the consort).

Variants and Related Words

• Sủng phi (noun): A favored royal consort or concubine; the person who would typically be addressed as "ái khanh".
• Ái khanh của trẫm: A slightly more possessive form, meaning "my darling (belonging to me, the king)".

Synonyms

• Người yêu dấu: My beloved (a more general, modern term of endearment).
• Người tri kỷ: My soulmate, my confidant (emphasizes deep understanding).

Notes on Meaning

This word has only one primary historical meaning. It is not used with different meanings in modern Vietnamese. Attempting to use it in a contemporary setting would sound extremely unnatural and theatrical.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Được vua gọi là ái khanh: To be called "my darling" by the king. This phrase can be used metaphorically to describe being in someone's (especially a powerful person's) highest favor.
  • Cô ấy trong nhóm bây giờ như được vua gọi là ái khanh vậy. (She is now in the group like one called "my darling" by the king – meaning she is the current favorite.)

noun

1. My darling; my dear