Cánh hồng

Một cánh hồng bay cao trên bầu trời xanh.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rose petal: The literal meaning refers to a single petal from a rose flower.
   • A metaphor for a talented and learned person: A classical literary metaphor comparing an erudite and virtuous person to a majestic, high-flying bird (specifically, the hồng bird, a type of wild goose or swan in East Asian culture).

Usage Examples

• Noun (Literal):
  • Một cánh hồng rơi xuống bàn. (A rose petal fell onto the table.)
• Noun (Metaphorical):
  • Ông ấy thực sự là một cánh hồng của nền giáo dục. (He is truly a learned master (a 'cánh hồng') of the education system.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in formal, literary, or classical contexts, especially when invoking the metaphorical meaning. The metaphorical usage originates from Sino-Vietnamese classical literature, where the bird symbolizes nobility, lofty ambition, and exceptional talent.

Variants and Related Words

• Hoa hồng (n): rose (the flower).
• Cánh hoa (n): flower petal (general term).

Synonyms

• Rose petal: the petal of a rose.
• Learned person / Erudite scholar: a person with profound knowledge (for the metaphorical sense).

Related Idioms and Classical References

• "Kinh hồng": Literally "startled bird". A classical allusion describing a graceful, light, and swift movement, often used to depict a fairy or goddess.
  • Dáng đi của cô ấy uyển chuyển như kinh hồng. (Her walk is as graceful as a startled hồng bird in flight.)