Definition

1. Noun:
   • A bugle, a signal horn: A brass wind instrument, typically without valves, used to sound military signals, commands, or ceremonial calls. It is characterized by its clear, piercing sound designed to be heard over long distances.
   • A fanfare: A short, lively, and often ceremonious piece of music played on brass instruments, especially to announce an important event or person. In this sense, it refers more to the musical flourish itself than the instrument.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Người lính thổi kèn lệnh báo hiệu giờ điểm danh. (The soldier blew the bugle to signal roll call.)
  • Một hồi kèn lệnh vang lên chào mừng nguyên thủ quốc gia. (A fanfare sounded to welcome the head of state.)
  • Tiếng kèn lệnh vang vọng khắp doanh trại. (The sound of the bugle echoed throughout the barracks.)

Advanced Usage

• "Thổi kèn lệnh": to sound/to blow the bugle; to play a fanfare.
  • Mỗi sáng, tiếng kèn lệnh được thổi để đánh thức binh lính. (Every morning, the bugle is sounded to wake the soldiers.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kèn (n): A general term for wind instruments, especially brass instruments (horn, trumpet) or reed instruments.
• Kèn đồng (n): Brass instrument.
• Hiệu lệnh (n): Command, signal. "Kèn lệnh" is an instrument for giving commands.

Synonyms

• Bugle: The closest equivalent, specifically for the simple valveless military signaling instrument.
• Fanfare: Specifically for the ceremonial flourish of music.
• Signal horn: A more descriptive term for its function.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Nghe theo tiếng kèn lệnh": To follow orders/commands obediently (literally: to listen to/obey the sound of the signal bugle).
  • Mọi người phải nghe theo tiếng kèn lệnh của người chỉ huy. (Everyone must obey the commander's orders.)

1. Fanfare