Definition

1. Noun:
   • Horizontal inscribed board: A traditional decorative board, typically made of wood and often lacquered or gilded, inscribed with large characters. It is hung horizontally in temples, pagodas, community houses, or old family homes.
   • Royal plaque: Specifically, a board inscribed with characters, often bestowed by a king or emperor. It signifies honor, merit, or a royal decree and is hung in places of worship or at the homes of revered individuals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong đình làng treo một tấm hoàng phi cổ. (In the village communal house hangs an ancient horizontal inscribed board.)
  • Dòng họ đó được vua ban cho một tấm hoàng phi. (That clan was granted a royal plaque by the king.)

Advanced Usage

• The characters on a hoàng phi often form a phrase expressing virtues (e.g., "Lưu Phúc" - Preserving Blessings), praise, or moral principles. It is a significant cultural and spiritual artifact.

Variants and Related Words

• Biển hoành (n): Synonym for hoàng phi; a horizontal board.
• Đại tự (n): Literally "big characters"; often refers to the large calligraphy on a hoàng phi or to a similar type of inscribed board.

Synonyms

• Horizontal plaque: A flat, decorated board hung horizontally.
• Honorific board: A board conferred as an honor.
• Lacquer board: Describes a common material for such items.

Related Cultural Concepts

• Câu đối (n): Parallel sentences. These are vertical scrolls or panels often hung on either side of a hoàng phi to form a complete decorative set in traditional spaces.