Definition

1. Noun:
   • Female singer, songstress (in the old society): "Ca nhi" refers to a female singer, particularly one who performed in traditional or historical Vietnamese contexts, often with connotations of the pre-modern era.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Đạm Tiên nàng ấy xưa là ca nhi. (Dam Tien was a songstress in the past.)
  • Trong xã hội cũ, nghề ca nhi thường không được trọng vọng. (In the old society, the profession of a female singer was often not highly regarded.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in historical, literary, or classical contexts to describe female performers, especially those associated with traditional Vietnamese music or opera (like , ).
  • Nhân vật chính trong câu chuyện là một ca nhi tài sắc vẹn toàn. (The main character in the story is a talented and beautiful songstress.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ca sĩ (noun): Singer (modern, general term for both male and female singers).
  • Cô ấy là một ca sĩ nổi tiếng. (She is a famous singer.)
• Con hát (noun, somewhat archaic/derogatory): Singer, performer (literally "child of singing"; can carry a pejorative nuance).
  • Đừng gọi cô ấy là "con hát", từ đó không còn phù hợp. (Don't call her "con hát", that term is no longer appropriate.)

Synonyms

• Nữ ca sĩ: Female singer (modern, neutral term).
• Nghệ sĩ hát: Performing singer/artist.

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Historical Context: "Ca nhi" is an archaic term. Its usage today is almost exclusively found in historical narratives, classical literature, poetry, or when deliberately evoking an old-fashioned atmosphere.
• Connotation: While it simply means "female singer," its association with "the old society" () can sometimes imply a lower social status or a specific type of performer from that era, distinct from modern pop singers.
• Difference from "Ca sĩ": "Ca sĩ" is the standard, contemporary word for "singer." "Ca nhi" should not be used to refer to modern singers.

noun

1. Female singer, songstress (trong xã hội cũ)