Definition

Noun: 1. White jade: A precious stone, specifically a type of jade that is white or very pale in color. It is valued for its beauty and used in jewelry and carvings. 2. (Archaic/Poetic) Diamond: In classical or literary Vietnamese, the term can sometimes be used poetically to refer to a diamond, emphasizing its purity and hardness.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Chiếc vòng tay được làm từ bạch ngọc nguyên khối. (The bracelet is made from a single piece of white jade.)
  • Trong thơ cổ, vẻ đẹp của nàng thường được ví với bạch ngọc. (In ancient poetry, her beauty was often compared to white jade.)

Advanced Usage

• "Trắng như bạch ngọc": (As white as white jade) - A simile used to describe something of exceptional, pure whiteness.
  • Làn da cô ấy trắng như bạch ngọc. (Her skin is as white as white jade.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngọc (noun): Jade; a general term for precious gemstones. "Bạch ngọc" is a specific type of "ngọc".
• Ngọc bích (noun): Jadeite, specifically green jade.
• Bạch kim (noun): Platinum (a white precious metal). Note: This is a different material, but the prefix "bạch" (white) is the same.

Synonyms

• Ngọc trắng (noun): White jade (a more descriptive, direct synonym).
• Ngọc (noun): Jade (general term).

Notes on Different Meanings

1. Primary Meaning (White Jade): This is the most common and standard meaning in modern Vietnamese.
2. Literary/Poetic Meaning (Diamond): This usage is less common today and is primarily found in classical literature or poetic language. The modern word for diamond is "kim cương".
3. As a Place Name: "Bạch Ngọc" can also be the name of a commune (xã) in Vị Xuyên district, Hà Giang province, Vietnam. This is a proper noun and a separate usage from the gemstone meaning.

noun

1. Diamond
2. spar