Definition

1. Noun:
   • A responding verse in a poetic exchange: In traditional Vietnamese poetry, especially in social or literary gatherings, "câu hoạ" refers to a verse composed to respond to, match, or continue a verse presented by another person (the "câu xướng" or initiating verse). It demonstrates poetic skill by adhering to the original's theme, tone, and formal structure (e.g., rhyme, meter).
   • (Music) Consequent phrase: In musical theory, it can denote the "consequent" phrase, which answers or completes the "antecedent" phrase in a period structure.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sau khi nghe câu thơ của khách, chủ nhà liền ứng tác một câu hoạ rất tài tình. (After hearing the guest's verse, the host immediately improvised a very skillful responding verse.)
  • Trong buổi họp thơ, phần câu hoạ luôn được mọi người mong đợi. (At the poetry gathering, the verse response part is always eagerly anticipated by everyone.)
  • Giai điệu được chia thành câu hoạ và câu xướng. (The melody is divided into the consequent and the antecedent.)

Advanced Usage

• "Làm câu hoạ" / "Ứng khẩu thành câu hoạ": To compose a responding verse, often impromptu.
  • Cụ già đã làm câu hoạ ngay tại chỗ, khiến mọi người thán phục. (The old man composed a responding verse on the spot, leaving everyone in admiration.)

Variants and Related Words

• Câu xướng (n): The initiating or antecedent verse/phrase to which a "câu hoạ" responds. (Antecedent verse; initiating verse).
• Hoạ thơ / Hoạ vận (v): The act of composing poetry in response to another's poem. (To compose a poem in reply; to match rhymes).
• Đối đáp (v/n): To exchange words or verses; a verbal exchange. (To respond; repartee).

Synonyms

• Câu đáp: A reply or answering verse. (Less specific to poetic tradition).
• Câu ứng: An improvised or responsive verse.

Related Phrases

• Xướng hoạ (v/n): The combined activity of initiating and responding with verses; poetic exchange.
  • Họ thường xướng hoạ với nhau qua thư từ. (They often exchange matching poems with each other through letters.)

Related Idioms

• "Miệng nhà sang có gang có thép": An idiom sometimes associated with the quick wit needed for elegant "xướng hoạ". (The mouth of the noble house has iron and steel - meaning their words are sharp and valuable). While not directly containing "câu hoạ", it describes the talent displayed in such exchanges.