Definition

1. Noun:
   • Pearl: A small, round, lustrous object produced within the shell of certain mollusks, especially oysters, and valued as a gem.
   • Tear drop (literary/poetic): A single tear, often used metaphorically in literature to describe a drop of liquid that is precious or beautiful, like a pearl.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cô ấy đeo một chuỗi hạt châu trắng. (She is wearing a string of white pearls.)
  • Những hạt châu lăn trên má em. (Pearl-like tears rolled down her cheeks.)

Advanced Usage

• "hạt châu nước mắt": A poetic phrase meaning "teardrops," literally "pearls of tears," emphasizing the beauty or value of the tears.
  • Trong câu chuyện buồn, hạt châu nước mắt cô rơi xuống. (In the sad story, her teardrops fell.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngọc trai (n): This is the more common, specific term for "pearl" as a gemstone.
  • Vòng cổ làm bằng ngọc trai. (A necklace made of pearls.)
• Hạt (n): Seed, grain, bead; a general term for a small, round object.
• Châu (n): Archaic or literary term for "pearl" or "gem"; also part of the name for certain regions (e.g., Châu Âu - Europe).

Synonyms

• Ngọc (n): Gem, jewel; a more general term for precious stones.
• Giọt lệ (n): Tear drop; the standard term for a tear.

Related Phrases

• Quý như hạt châu: As precious as a pearl.
  • Tình bạn của họ quý như hạt châu. (Their friendship is as precious as a pearl.)

Related Idioms

• Mưa ngọc, gió châu: A literary idiom describing a lavish, luxurious environment, literally "rain of gems, wind of pearls."
  • Cuộc sống trong cung điện như mưa ngọc, gió châu. (Life in the palace was one of extreme luxury.)