Phiếu hữu mai
Definition
- Noun (Literary/Classical): A poetic phrase originating from the (Kinh Thi), referring to the falling plum blossoms and the remaining fruit. It metaphorically signifies that the spring season is late, urging one to promptly arrange marriage matters before time passes. It conveys a sense of urgency regarding marriageable age.
Usage Examples
- Noun: ("The plums are falling, seven are left... The plums are falling, three are left...") (Thuý Vân used the image of "phiếu hữu mai" to advise Thuý Kiều to consider marriage.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is primarily used in classical Vietnamese literature, especially in poetic or allusive contexts, to discuss the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of timely marriage.
Variants and Related Words
- Kinh Thi: The , the classical Chinese text from which this phrase originates.
- Mai: Plum/plum blossom, a common symbol in East Asian poetry.
Synonyms
- Mùa xuân muộn: Late spring (literal concept).
- Thời cơ hôn nhân: Marriageable opportunity (modern conceptual equivalent).
Related Idioms
- "Công danh sự nghiệp" vs. "nữ đại nan giá": Contrasting proverbs about male career success versus the saying that an older unmarried woman is hard to marry off; "phiếu hữu mai" relates to the latter concept of timeliness for marriage.