cặp kê
Definition
- Noun:
- A pair of hairpins: The literal meaning refers to a pair of hairpins or ornamental pins used to fasten a woman's hair.
- A betrothed couple / a marital pair: A figurative and classical term describing a man and woman who have reached the age of marriage and are engaged or wedded, derived from the ancient Chinese custom where a girl coming of age would pin up her hair with a hairpin (kê) upon being betrothed.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Cô ấy được tặng một đôi cặp kê bằng ngọc. (She was gifted a pair of jade hairpins.)
- Theo truyền thống, họ trở thành cặp kê từ năm mười sáu tuổi. (Traditionally, they became a betrothed couple at the age of sixteen.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily used in a classical, literary, or historical context. It is not common in modern everyday conversation and often carries a poetic or formal nuance when referring to a married or engaged pair.
Variants and Related Words
- Kê (v/n): To pin up hair; a hairpin. This is the root word within .
- Đính hôn (v): To become engaged (modern term).
- Vợ chồng (n): Husband and wife (common modern term).
Synonyms
- Engaged couple: A man and woman promised to be married.
- Marital pair: A husband and wife.
- Hairpins: A pair of pins for securing hair.
Related Idioms
- Tuổi cài trâm: (The age of wearing hairpins) A poetic phrase referring to a girl's coming of age, directly related to the origin of .