Definition

1. Adjective:

   • White; pure white: Describes something that is entirely or predominantly white in color.
   • Clear; bright: Describes light or sky that is clear and bright.

2. Verb (archaic/formal):

   • To report; to state; to address respectfully: To speak to or inform a superior, especially a monk or elder, in a formal manner.
   • To speak; to utter (in a specific context): Used in the context of knowing how to speak properly.

3. Onomatopoeia:

   • With a thud; thuddingly: Represents the sound of a heavy, dull fall or impact.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • ngựa bạch (an all-white horse)
  • hoa hồng bạch (a white rose)
  • Trời đã sáng bạch. (The sky had brightened to a clear white.)

• Verb:

  • Bạch sư cụ. (I respectfully address you, Venerable Master.)
  • Ăn chưa sạch, bạch chưa thông. (Proverb: [One who] doesn't eat cleanly, doesn't speak clearly/understandably.)

• Onomatopoeia:

  • Nó ngã bạch xuống đất. (He fell to the ground with a thud.)
  • ngã đánh bạch một cái (to fall with a thud)

Advanced Usage

• "bạch diện thư sinh": A young, inexperienced scholar; a greenhorn. Literally "white-faced student."
  • Anh ta chỉ là một bạch diện thư sinh. (He is just an inexperienced young scholar.)

Variants and Related Words

• bành bạch (onomatopoeia): A reduplicated form emphasizing a repeated or heavy thudding sound.
• trắng bạch (adjective): Stark white; very white.
• chuột bạch (noun): A white lab mouse; often used metaphorically for a test subject.

Synonyms

• Adjective: White, pale, clear.
• Verb: To address, to inform, to declare (formal).
• Onomatopoeia: Thud, whump.

Related Idioms

• Ăn chưa sạch, bạch chưa thông: A proverb criticizing someone who lacks basic manners or competence, literally "has not learned to eat cleanly or speak clearly."
• Bạch diện thư sinh: An idiom for a naive, bookish young person with no real-world experience.

1. white
   • ngựa bạch
     an all-white horse
   • hoa hồng bạch
     a white rose
   • bạch diện thư sinh
     a new pupil
2. With a thud, thuddingly
   • ngã đánh bạch một cái
     to fall with a thud
3. (dùng để nói với nhà sư) Oh, venerable bonze