Definition

Noun: A high and narrow table, traditionally used in East Asian contexts, particularly as a writing desk or a table for arranging books and scholarly items. It often carries a classical, formal, or antique connotation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Chiếc án thư bằng gỗ gụ này rất quý. (This rosewood writing table is very valuable.)
  • Ông ấy ngồi đọc sách bên án thư. (He sat reading by the high desk.)
  • Án thư trong thư phòng thường được trang trí đơn giản. (The scholar's table in the study is often simply decorated.)

Advanced Usage

• "án thư sơn son thếp vàng": A lacquered and gilded writing table. This phrase emphasizes luxury and traditional craftsmanship.
  • Cung điện trưng bày một án thư sơn son thếp vàng. (The palace displays a lacquered and gilded writing desk.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bàn viết (n): Writing desk (a more general, modern term).
• Bàn thư pháp (n): Calligraphy table (specifically for calligraphy practice).
• Án (n, literary): A table or desk (the root word, less common in modern standalone use).

Synonyms

• Writing desk: Bàn viết.
• Scholar's table: Bàn của nho sĩ.
• High desk: Bàn cao.

Related Phrases

• "Ngồi án thư": To sit at the writing table (implies studying, writing, or scholarly work).
  • Cụ đồ già vẫn thường ngồi án thư đến khuya. (The old scholar still often sat at his writing desk until late at night.)

Related Idioms

While "án thư" itself is not typically part of idioms, it is associated with classical imagery of scholarship and literati culture.

noun

1. High and narrow table