Definition

Noun: * Boudoir; women's quarters (historical): A term, now literary and archaic, referring to the private living quarters or chambers of unmarried young women, especially those from noble or aristocratic families, in feudal or traditional East Asian societies. It implies a secluded, refined space. * A maiden's chamber: More specifically, it can denote the room of a young, unmarried woman of high social standing.

Usage Examples

• (She grew up in the women's quarters, never having known hardship.)
• (Fairy tales often tell of young maidens from secluded chambers meeting a scholar.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily found in classical Vietnamese poetry, historical novels, and folktales. It evokes imagery of tradition, seclusion, and aristocratic life. In modern usage, it is highly literary and carries a nostalgic or formal tone.

Variants and Related Words

• Khuê phòng (n): Another literary term for a young woman's private room or boudoir.
• Phòng khuê (n): A less common variant with the same meaning.

Synonyms

• Boudoir
• Women's quarters (historical context)
• Maiden's chamber (literary)

Related Idioms and Expressions

• Khuê các cung tường: An extended, poetic phrase meaning "the boudoirs and palace walls," used to represent the secluded world of women in royal or aristocratic settings.
• Con nhà khuê các: A phrase meaning "a daughter from a noble family" or "a well-bred young lady," emphasizing noble upbringing and refinement.

noun

1. room of a maiden