Definition

1. Noun:
   • The throne: Specifically refers to the elevated, ornate seat of a king or emperor in traditional Vietnamese royal contexts, often intricately carved with dragon motifs.
   • The canopied dais for the throne: Refers to the entire raised platform or structure, often covered by a canopy, upon which the royal throne is placed.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nhà vua ngự trên bệ rồng. (The king sat upon the throne.)
  • Bệ rồng trong điện Thái Hòa được chạm khắc tinh xảo. (The canopied dais in the Thai Hoa Palace is exquisitely carved.)

Advanced Usage

• "ngai vàng bệ rồng": A fixed, literary phrase meaning "the throne and the royal seat," symbolizing royal power and authority.
  • Kẻ nào dám mơ tưởng đến ngai vàng bệ rồng? (Who dares to dream of the throne?)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngai vàng (n): The throne (often used together with "bệ rồng" or separately to mean sovereign power).
• Ngự bửu (n): A term for the emperor's precious throne or seat.

Synonyms

• Throne: The royal seat.
• Dais: A raised platform.

Notes on Meaning

This is a historical and literary term. Its usage is almost exclusively related to the monarchy of feudal Vietnam. The dragon (rồng) symbolizes imperial power, making "bệ rồng" more specific and majestic than the general word for "throne" (ngai vàng). It evokes imagery of the Forbidden City in Hue or similar royal architectures.

1. Canopied dais, the throne