The Vietnamese word "cung phi" (cung phi) is a noun that translates to "imperial concubine" in English.
Basic Explanation
An imperial concubine is a woman who is part of the royal household but is not the main wife of the emperor or king. Concubines often lived in the palace and had a special status, but they did not have the same legal standing as the primary wife. In historical contexts, concubines could bear children and have influence in royal matters, but their children often had lower status than those born to the main wife.
Usage Instructions
Context: "Cung phi" is typically used in historical or literary contexts, especially when discussing Vietnamese royalty or traditional customs.
Formality: The term can be considered formal and is mostly used in discussions about history, literature, or cultural studies.
Example Sentence
"Trong triều đại phong kiến, nhiều cung phi đã đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc sinh con cho vua." (In the feudal dynasty, many imperial concubines played an important role in bearing children for the king.)
Advanced Usage
You might encounter "cung phi" in discussions about Vietnamese literature, historical novels, or when analyzing the roles of women in historical Vietnamese society. It can also be relevant in discussions of cultural practices regarding marriage and family structure in royal contexts.
Word Variants
Cung tần: Another term that can be used similarly, referring to a lower-ranking concubine or secondary wife.
Vương phi: This term refers specifically to a princess or a higher-ranking wife of a prince.
Different Meanings
While "cung phi" specifically refers to an imperial concubine, in a broader sense, it can symbolize any woman in a subordinate role within a royal or noble household. However, it does not have other common meanings outside this context.
Synonyms