chương hướng
Definition
- Noun (obsolete):
- A type of malevolent spirit or harmful influence: In traditional Vietnamese belief, "chương hướng" refers to a baleful force or evil spirit thought to cause obstruction, misfortune, or illness.
Usage Notes
- This word is archaic and is rarely used in modern Vietnamese. It primarily appears in historical texts or discussions of traditional folklore and spiritual concepts. The reference from the Vietnamese-French dictionary indicating "xem chướng" (see ) suggests it is a variant or closely related term to "chướng," which commonly means an obstacle, hindrance, or malignant influence.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often associated with the concept of "tà chương hướng khí" (evil chương hướng energies), describing pathogenic or negative atmospheric influences in traditional cosmology.
Variants and Related Words
- Chướng (n): obstacle, hindrance; often used in compounds like "chướng ngại" (obstacle) or "yêu chướng" (demonic obstruction).
- Chướng khí (n): noxious air, miasma; harmful vapors thought to cause disease.
Synonyms
- Malevolent spirit: an evil or harmful ghost or entity.
- Baleful influence: an ominous or harmful force.
- Miasma: a noxious atmosphere or influence (in the context of traditional medicine/folklore).
Related Concepts
- Tà ma (n): evil spirits, demons.
- Âm khí (n): Yin energy; often refers to cold, stagnant, or negative energy.