Definition

1. Noun:
   • Imperial maid: A female servant who worked in the royal palace, specifically serving the king, queen, or other members of the royal family in historical Vietnamese courts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Các cung nữ phải tuân theo những quy tắc nghiêm ngặt trong cung. (The imperial maids had to follow strict rules within the palace.)
  • Trong lịch sử, cuộc sống của một cung nữ thường rất khép kín. (Historically, the life of an imperial maid was often very secluded.)

Advanced Usage

• The term cung nữ is an archaic/historical term. In modern contexts, it is primarily used in historical narratives, literature, or discussions about the feudal era.

Variants and Related Words

• Thị nữ / Cung tần / Cung nữ quan: Other historical terms for women serving in the royal palace, sometimes with slightly different ranks or specific duties.
• Người hầu cung: A more descriptive phrase meaning "palace servant."

Synonyms

• Imperial servant: A general term for a servant in the imperial court.
• Palace maid: A direct translation focusing on the location (palace) and role (maid).
• Attendant: A broader term for someone who serves or assists.

Related Phrases / Idioms

• Sống đời cung nữ: (To live the life of an imperial maid) - An idiom referring to a life of strict discipline, seclusion, and service, often without personal freedom.
  • Cô ấy cảm thấy cuộc sống của mình chẳng khác nào sống đời cung nữ. (She feels her life is no different from living the life of an imperial maid.)

noun

1. Imperial maid