cung điện
Definition
- Noun:
- A palace: A large, grand, and often ornate building that serves as the official residence of a sovereign (such as a king, queen, or emperor), a high-ranking dignitary (like an archbishop), or a head of state.
- A royal or imperial complex: Refers not only to a single building but also to the extensive grounds, courtyards, and associated structures that form the seat of power and ceremonial center for a monarchy.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Cung điện Buckingham là nơi ở của Quốc vương Anh. (Buckingham Palace is the residence of the British monarch.)
- Các vị vua triều Nguyễn sống trong cung điện ở Huế. (The Nguyen dynasty kings lived in the palace in Hue.)
- Cung điện được trang trí bằng vàng và đá cẩm thạch. (The palace was decorated with gold and marble.)
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to describe any exceptionally luxurious and spacious building or residence.
- Biệt thự của ông ấy trông như một cung điện. (His villa looks like a palace.)
Variants and Related Words
- Hoàng cung (n): Imperial palace; specifically emphasizes the emperor's residence.
- Cung đình (n): Pertaining to the palace or the royal court; often used as an adjective (e.g., - court culture).
- Dinh thự (n): Mansion, stately home; a grand residence but not necessarily royal.
Synonyms
- Palace: The direct and most common equivalent.
- Royal residence: Emphasizes its function as a dwelling.
- Castle: While a castle is fortified, some large royal residences may be referred to as palaces rather than castles.
Related Idioms
- Sống như trong cung điện: To live like in a palace (to live in extreme luxury and comfort).
- Căn hộ mới của cô ấy khiến cô ấy sống như trong cung điện. (Her new apartment makes her live like in a palace.)