bát tiền

Definition

Noun: - The Eight Immortals (Bát Tiên): A group of eight legendary deities (often depicted together) in Taoist mythology, each possessing a distinct symbol and power, and representing various aspects of life (e.g., longevity, wisdom, poverty). They are a common motif in Vietnamese and East Asian art, literature, and folklore.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tranh thêu hình bát tiên thường được treo trong nhà để cầu may mắn. (Embroidered pictures of the Eight Immortals are often hung in homes to pray for good luck.)
  • Trong truyền thuyết, bát tiên có thể vượt biển bằng những phép thuật kỳ diệu. (In legend, the Eight Immortals could cross the sea using their magical powers.)

Advanced Usage

• "bát tiên quá hải" (The Eight Immortals cross the sea): A common idiom and artistic theme, symbolizing that each person has their own unique method or talent to overcome challenges.
  • Câu chuyện bát tiên quá hải dạy ta rằng mỗi người có một cách riêng để giải quyết khó khăn. (The story of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea teaches us that everyone has their own way to solve difficulties.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bát Tiên (proper noun): The standard transliteration of the term.
• Tám vị tiên (noun): A descriptive synonym meaning "the eight immortals".
• Đạo giáo (noun): Taoism, the religious and philosophical tradition from which the legend originates.

Synonyms

• Tám vị tiên: The eight immortals.
• Bát Tiên quá hải: Specifically refers to the iconic scene of their sea-crossing.

Related Idioms

• "Bát tiên quá hải, mỗi vị một tài": (The Eight Immortals cross the sea, each with their own talent.) An idiom emphasizing individual strengths and diverse approaches to a common goal.
  • Nhóm chúng tôi giống như bát tiên quá hải, ai cũng có kỹ năng đặc biệt để đóng góp. (Our team is like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea; everyone has a special skill to contribute.)