Definition

1. Noun:
   • Tears (literary, archaic): "dòng châu" is a poetic and classical Vietnamese term referring to tears. It is a metaphor where "châu" (pearl) describes tears as precious and beautiful, like pearls.

Usage

• Literary and Poetic Context: This word is almost exclusively used in classical poetry, literature, or formal, artistic writing to evoke a sense of beauty, sorrow, or deep emotion. It is not used in everyday modern conversation.
• Structure: Typically appears in poetic phrases or lines.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nàng khóc, dòng châu lã chã rơi. (She wept, her tears fell in streams.)
  • Dòng châu đẫm má hồng. (Tears drenched the rosy cheeks.)

Advanced Usage

• "Tuôn dòng châu": to shed tears (a common poetic collocation).
  • Nỗi đau khiến nàng tuôn dòng châu. (The pain made her shed tears.)
• "Giọt châu": a synonym meaning "a teardrop" (literally "a pearl drop").
  • Giọt châu lăn trên má. (A teardrop rolled down the cheek.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lệ (n): Another literary word for tears. "Dòng lệ" is a more common literary phrase than "dòng châu."
  • Dòng lệ nhạt nhòa. (Blurred tears.)
• Nước mắt (n): The standard, modern Vietnamese word for tears, used in all contexts.
  • Cô ấy rơi nước mắt. (She shed tears.)

Synonyms

• Lệ (n): tears (literary).
• Giọt lệ (n): a teardrop (literary).
• Hạt ngọc (n): literally "jewel/pearl seed," a very rare poetic synonym for a teardrop.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Châu rơi lệ ngọc": A classical idiom meaning "pearls fall, jade tears drop," describing beautiful weeping or copious tears.
  • Nghe tin ấy, nàng châu rơi lệ ngọc. (Hearing that news, she wept copious tears.)
• "Máu chảy ruột mềm": (Blood flows, the heart softens) - An idiom about compassion. While not containing "dòng châu," it relates to emotions that cause tears.

1. (văn chương, cũ) Tears