Definition

1. Noun:
   • Cannon: A large, heavy piece of artillery, typically mounted on wheels or a fixed base, that fires heavy projectiles using an explosive charge. Historically used in warfare before modern artillery.
   • (Obsolete meaning) Ceremonial Hall: An archaic, literary term for a large hall used for ceremonies or official gatherings. This usage is now very rare.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Cannon):
  • Pháo đài được bảo vệ bởi nhiều khẩu đại bác cổ. (The fortress was protected by many ancient cannons.)
  • Tiếng đại bác vang lên báo hiệu lễ hội bắt đầu. (The sound of the cannon signaled the start of the festival.)
• Noun (Obsolete - Hall):
  • Các quan lại tụ tập trong đại bác. (The mandarins gathered in the ceremonial hall.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "đại bác" is primarily used in historical or military contexts when referring to the weapon. In modern Vietnamese, specific terms like "pháo" (artillery/gun) or "pháo hoa" (fireworks) are more common for general explosive projectile devices.

Variants and Related Words

• Súng đại bác (n): Another term for cannon, emphasizing the "gun" aspect.
  • Bảo tàng trưng bày một khẩu súng đại bác từ thế kỷ 18. (The museum displays an 18th-century cannon.)
• Pháo (n): A broader term meaning artillery, gun, or firecracker.
• Thần công (n): A more literary or historical synonym for cannon.

Synonyms

• Cannon: The direct and most common equivalent.
• Artillery: A more general term for large-caliber guns used in warfare.
• Gun: Can be used in a broad, historical context (e.g., "big gun").

Related Idioms

• Tiếng đại bác: Literally "the sound of the cannon," often used metaphorically to describe a very loud, booming noise or a powerful, impactful event.
  • Bài phát biểu của ông ấy như tiếng đại bác. (His speech was like the roar of a cannon.)
• Đại bác bắn chim sẻ: Literally "using a cannon to shoot a sparrow." This idiom means using disproportionate or excessive force/resources for a small, simple task.
  • Thuê một chuyên gia như vậy cho việc này thì đúng là đại bác bắn chim sẻ. (Hiring such an expert for this job is like using a cannon to shoot a sparrow.)

1. Cannon, gun