Definition

1. Noun:
   • Gong-like musical instrument: A percussion instrument made of flat metal with a central raised boss (nipple), typically suspended from a wooden frame and struck to produce sound.
   • (Dialectal) Ornamental plant or scenery: A regional term synonymous with "cảnh," referring to decorative plants, gardens, or a scenic view.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Musical Instrument):
  • Tiếng kiểng vang lên báo hiệu buổi lễ bắt đầu. (The sound of the gong rang out, signaling the start of the ceremony.)
• Noun (Ornamental Plant/Scenery):
  • Nhà bà ấy trồng nhiều kiểng lắm. (Her house has many ornamental plants.)
  • Ngắm kiểng hồ nước cho tâm hồn thư thái. (Viewing the scenery of the lake pond brings peace of mind.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "kiểng" for a musical instrument is specific and less common in general modern usage, often found in descriptions of traditional or ceremonial music.
• The dialectal usage for plants or scenery is prevalent in Southern Vietnamese.

Variants and Related Words

• Cảnh (n): The standard word for scenery, view, or scene. "Kiểng" is a regional variant of this word.
• Cây cảnh (n): Ornamental plant, bonsai, or potted plant.
• Tiếng kiểng (n): The sound of the gong.

Synonyms

• Gong: A flat, circular metal percussion instrument.
• Tam-tam: A term of French origin for a similar gong.
• Ornamental plant: A plant grown for decorative purposes.
• Scenery: The natural features of a landscape considered in terms of their appearance.

Related Idioms

• Chơi kiểng: The hobby of cultivating and arranging ornamental plants.
  • Ông cụ dành cả tuổi già để chơi kiểng. (The old man spends his entire retirement on the hobby of cultivating ornamental plants.)

1. Gong-like musical instrument.
2. (địa phương) như cảnh