Definition

1. Noun:
   • A banner, a standard, a flag: "Biểu chương" is an archaic Vietnamese term referring to a type of banner, standard, or flag, often used ceremonially or symbolically to represent a group, cause, or authority.
   • An emblem, a symbol: It can also denote an emblem or a symbolic representation, similar to a coat of arms or an insignia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Đoàn quân tiến về phía trước dưới biểu chương của nhà vua. (The troops marched forward under the king's standard.)
  • Biểu chương của triều đại đó được thêu hình rồng. (That dynasty's banner was embroidered with a dragon.)

Advanced Usage

• This word is considered archaic in modern Vietnamese. It is primarily encountered in historical texts, literature, or formal, ceremonial contexts describing the past.
• It is often used synonymously with or replaced by the more common modern words "cờ" (flag) or "biểu ngữ" (banner/slogan).

Variants and Related Words

• Cờ (n): The standard modern word for "flag".
• Biểu ngữ (n): Banner, placard (often with written text).
• Huy hiệu (n): Badge, emblem, coat of arms.
• Phù hiệu (n): Insignia, emblem.

Synonyms

• Lá cờ: Flag.
• Ngọn cờ: Standard, banner (literally "the pole of the flag").
• Cờ hiệu: Ensign, signal flag.

Related Phrases

• Giương cao biểu chương: To raise high the banner/standard.
  • Họ giương cao biểu chương của lý tưởng cách mạng. (They raised high the banner of revolutionary ideals.)

Related Idioms

• Đầu voi đuôi chuột: (Lit. Elephant's head, mouse's tail) - Starting with grand promises or symbols (like a grand ) but ending with insignificant results. While not containing the word, it relates to the concept of grand symbolic representation versus reality.