Ruộng tình

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Field of sentiment / Field of human emotions: A classical Sino-Vietnamese literary term referring to the realm of human feelings and passions, conceptualized as a field to be cultivated or governed. It originates from the Confucian idea that a sage king uses rites and righteousness to manage and nurture people's emotions, thus making human sentiment the sovereign's field.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nhà vua lấy lễ nghĩa mà cày xới ruộng tình của dân chúng. (The king used rites and righteousness to plow the field of the people's sentiments.)
  • Thơ ca của ông ấy thường khai thác mảnh ruộng tình phức tạp. (His poetry often explores the complex field of human emotions.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily found in classical or literary texts, philosophical discussions, and historical analyses. It is not used in everyday modern conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Tình điền (n): This is the original Chinese-derived term (情田) from which "ruộng tình" is a vernacular Vietnamese translation. It carries the same meaning: the field of emotions.

Synonyms

• Realm of emotions: The domain or sphere of human feelings.
• Sphere of sentiment: The area concerning affections and passions.

Related Concepts

• Lễ nghĩa (rites and righteousness): The Confucian principles traditionally used to cultivate and govern the "field of sentiment."
• Trị tình (to govern emotions): The act of managing or regulating human passions, related to the purpose of the "ruộng tình."