giáng hoạ
Definition
- Noun:
- A calamity or disaster sent down (by a deity or fate): This term refers to a severe misfortune, catastrophe, or affliction perceived as being inflicted from above, often by divine will or supernatural forces. It carries an archaic and literary tone.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Thần linh có thể giáng hoạ xuống kẻ phàm tục. (Deities can send down calamities upon mortals.)
- Cơn bão được coi như một giáng hoạ cho ngôi làng. (The storm was considered a disaster sent upon the village.)
- Họ tin rằng số phận đã giáng hoạ cho dòng họ. (They believed fate had cast a curse upon their lineage.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in formal, literary, or historical contexts to describe catastrophic events with a sense of divine punishment or inescapable fate. It is not common in everyday modern speech.
Variants and Related Words
- Giáng (v): to descend, to lower, to strike (as in – to strike a blow).
- Hoạ (n): misfortune, disaster, calamity (as in – catastrophe).
Synonyms
- Calamity: An event causing great and often sudden damage or distress.
- Scourge: A cause of great trouble or suffering, often seen as divine punishment.
- Affliction: Something that causes pain or suffering.
Related Idioms
- Tai bay hoạ gửi: (Disaster comes flying, misfortune gets sent) – Meaning misfortunes can arrive unexpectedly and without one's fault.
- Hoạ vô đơn chí: (Misfortune never comes alone) – Meaning troubles often come in multiples.