chén quỳnh
Definition
- Noun:
- A jade or precious stone cup (archaic, literary): A poetic and classical term referring to a drinking vessel made from a mythical precious stone ("quỳnh"), symbolizing beauty, rarity, and luxury.
- A cup of fine wine or alcohol (figurative): Used metaphorically to describe the act of drinking alcohol, often in a refined, poetic, or celebratory context.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Cụ già nâng chén quỳnh lên môi. (The old man raised the precious jade cup to his lips.)
- Bạn hiền gặp nhau, cùng cạn chén quỳnh. (Close friends meet and drain their cups of fine wine together.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is almost exclusively used in literary, poetic, or formal contexts to evoke classical imagery and elegance. It is not used in everyday speech.
Variants and Related Words
- Chén ngọc (n): jade cup; a similar term for a precious cup.
- Chén ngọc đựng rượu thơm. (The jade cup holds fragrant wine.)
Synonyms
- Goblet: a drinking cup with a foot and stem, often of precious material.
- Chalice: a ceremonial cup for drinking wine, often associated with preciousness.
- Wine cup: a general term for a cup used for wine.
Related Idioms
- Chén quỳnh chén ngọc: (precious jade and jeweled cups); used to describe a lavish drinking setting or a profound drinking session between intimates.
- Câu chuyện tâm giao bên chén quỳnh chén ngọc. (Heart-to-heart talk over cups of fine wine.)