bà cốt

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The Vietnamese word "bà cốt" can be understood in different contexts, but primarily, it is related to the practice of fortune-telling or consulting a medium about one's future or fate.

Basic Definition

• "Bà cốt" refers to a person, usually a woman, who acts as a medium or fortune-teller. This person is believed to have the ability to communicate with spirits or interpret signs to provide guidance or predictions about the future.

Usage Instructions

• You can use "bà cốt" in conversations related to spiritual practices, fortune-telling, or when discussing cultural beliefs in Vietnam about seeking advice from the spiritual realm.

Example

• Sentence: "Tôi đã đi xem bà cốt để biết về vận mệnh của mình." (I went to consult a fortune-teller to learn about my destiny.)

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "bà cốt" might be discussed in relation to traditional Vietnamese spiritual practices, cultural beliefs, or even in literature and movies that depict the life of mediums and their significance in society.

Word Variants

• There are no direct variants of "bà cốt", but related terms include:
  • "cốt": often refers to a spirit or essence.
  • "thầy cốt": refers to a male medium, as "thầy" means teacher or master.

Different Meanings

• Outside of the fortune-telling context, "bà cốt" can sometimes refer to a woman of significant spiritual or ancestral importance in a family, though this usage is less common.

Synonyms

• "thầy bói": another term for a fortune-teller, generally used for both men and women.
• "người xem bói": translates to "the person who tells fortune," which is more general but can also refer to a fortune-teller.

Cultural Note

In Vietnamese culture, visiting a "bà cốt" or a fortune-teller can be a common practice, especially during important life events like weddings, new businesses, or significant decisions. People may seek her advice to feel more secure about their choices or to gain insight into their future.

Academic

1. xem cốt