khinh quân
Definition
- Noun:
- Light troops / Light infantry: A military unit characterized by high mobility, minimal equipment, and rapid movement, often used for skirmishing, reconnaissance, or hit-and-run tactics.
- Light cavalry: In some historical contexts, it can refer to lightly armed and armored cavalry units designed for speed and agility.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Nhà vua phái một đội khinh quân đi trước để thăm dò. (The king dispatched a unit of light troops ahead to scout.)
- Khinh quân của họ di chuyển quá nhanh, khiến quân địch bối rối. (Their light cavalry moved so swiftly that it confused the enemy.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily historical or literary, describing pre-modern military formations. It contrasts with "trọng binh" (heavy troops) or "trung quân" (main force/central army).
Variants and Related Words
- Khinh binh (n): A synonym for light infantry or light soldiers.
- Khinh binh có thể hành quân xa mà không cần nhiều tiếp tế. (Light infantry can march far without needing much supply.)
Synonyms
- Light infantry: Foot soldiers with light equipment for mobility.
- Skirmishers: Soldiers deployed to harass the enemy.
- Light cavalry: Fast, lightly armored horsemen.
Related Idioms
- While "khinh quân" itself is not commonly used in idioms, the concept relates to proverbs about speed and agility in warfare, such as "Binh quý thần tốc" (In war, the most precious thing is speed).