Xá Quỷ

Definition
  1. Proper noun:
    • Xá Quỷ: A term from Vietnamese folklore and mythology, referring to a type of malevolent spirit, demon, or ghost. It is often considered a harmful supernatural entity that can cause misfortune or haunt the living. The term is archaic and primarily used in mythological or folkloric contexts.
Usage Examples
  • Proper noun:
    • Trong truyện cổ, ngôi làng bị Xá Quỷ quấy phá. (In the folktale, the village was harassed by the Xá Quỷ.)
    • Người ta tin rằng nơi đó là chỗ ở của Xá Quỷ. (People believe that place is the dwelling of the Xá Quỷ.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term is often encountered in classical literature, folk stories, or discussions about traditional Vietnamese beliefs and cosmology regarding evil spirits.
Variants and Related Words
  • Khạ Quy: An alternate or related term found in some historical texts, possibly referring to a similar class of demonic entity.
  • Quỷ (n): A more common and general term for ghost, demon, or devil.
  • Yêu quái (n): Monster, fiend, demon.
Synonyms
  • Demon: An evil spirit or supernatural being.
  • Malevolent spirit: A harmful ghost or entity.
  • Fiend: A very wicked or cruel entity.
Notes on Usage
  • Xá Quỷ is an obscure, literary term. In modern Vietnamese, the more common words quỷ or ma are used for "ghost" or "devil."
  • It is typically used to evoke a sense of ancient, folkloric, or mythological horror, rather than in everyday conversation.