khăn xếp
Definition
- Noun:
- A traditional folded turban: A type of pre-folded, ready-to-wear headgear for men, traditionally made of dark fabric (often black or dark brown), which is simply placed on the head. It is a key component of the traditional Vietnamese male attire, typically worn with an áo dài (long tunic).
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ông cụ mặc áo dài, đội khăn xếp trông rất trang trọng. (The old man, wearing an áo dài and a khăn xếp, looked very formal.)
- Khăn xếp thường được làm từ vải lụa hoặc the. (The khăn xếp is usually made from silk or a specific type of thin, plain-weave fabric.)
- Trong các lễ hội truyền thống, nhiều người đàn ông vẫn đội khăn xếp. (During traditional festivals, many men still wear the khăn xếp.)
Advanced Usage
- The is more than just clothing; it is a cultural symbol representing tradition, respect, and formality. It is most commonly seen in rituals, ceremonies, traditional performances, and festivals.
- The way the is worn (its neatness and placement) was historically seen as an indicator of a man's discipline and character.
Variants and Related Words
- Khăn đóng: This is another common name for . The terms are often used interchangeably, though can sometimes refer more generally to a folded turban.
- Áo dài: The traditional long tunic worn with the to form the complete formal attire for men.
- Khăn vấn: A different, longer type of traditional turban that is manually wound around the head, as opposed to being pre-folded like the .
Synonyms
- Traditional turban: A general term for a headwrap made from a single length of fabric.
- Folded headdress: Describes its pre-folded, ready-to-wear nature.
Cultural Note
- The is an iconic part of Vietnam's national costume heritage. While no longer everyday wear, it remains a powerful symbol of cultural identity and is preserved in formal and ceremonial contexts.