Definitions

1. Noun:
   • Pomegranate: A round fruit with a tough reddish outer skin and many seeds surrounded by juicy, edible red pulp. The term "hồng lựu" is a compound word in Vietnamese, where "hồng" can imply red/pink and "lựu" refers to the pomegranate fruit.
   • Garnet (archaic/poetic): In older or poetic contexts, "hồng lựu" can refer to the garnet gemstone, drawing a comparison to the fruit's deep red color. This usage is less common in modern Vietnamese.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Fruit):

  • Mẹ tôi mua một ít hồng lựu ở chợ. (My mother bought some pomegranates at the market.)
  • Nước ép hồng lựu rất tốt cho sức khỏe. (Pomegranate juice is very good for health.)

• Noun (Gemstone - archaic):

  • Chiếc nhẫn nạm viên hồng lựu lấp lánh. (The ring inlaid with a sparkling garnet.)

Advanced Usage

• "màu hồng lựu": pomegranate color, a deep reddish-pink hue.
  • Cô ấy chọn một chiếc váy màu hồng lựu. (She chose a dress in pomegranate color.)

Variants and Related Words

• Quả lựu: This is the more common and standard term for "pomegranate" in modern Vietnamese. "Hồng lựu" is a synonym but can sound more literary.
• Lựu: A shortened, informal form for pomegranate.
• Ngọc hồng lựu: A specific term for the garnet gemstone, literally "pomegranate-colored gem."

Synonyms

• Quả lựu: Pomegranate (the most common synonym).
• Thạch lựu: Another less common term for pomegranate, also used in traditional medicine contexts.

Related Phrases

• Hạt lựu: Pomegranate seeds/arils.
  • Món salad có rắc thêm hạt lựu. (The salad is sprinkled with pomegranate seeds.)