kim phượng
Definition
- Noun:
- Flame tree / Royal poinciana: A tropical flowering tree (Delonix regia) known for its large, vibrant red or orange blossoms and feathery, fern-like leaves. It is commonly planted for shade and ornamental purposes.
- A specific flowering plant: In some botanical contexts, particularly older classifications, it can refer to other showy flowering plants.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Những cây kim phượng trên đường nở hoa đỏ rực. (The flame trees on the street are blooming with bright red flowers.)
- Bóng mát của cây kim phượng rất rộng. (The shade of the royal poinciana tree is very wide.)
- Hoa kim phượng báo hiệu mùa hè đến. (The flame tree flowers signal the arrival of summer.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "kim phượng" is used poetically in literature to symbolize summer, passion, or the fleeting nature of beauty due to its brilliant but short-lived blooms.
- Thơ ca thường ví vẻ đẹp rực rỡ nhưng ngắn ngủi với hoa kim phượng. (Poetry often compares brilliant but short-lived beauty to the flame tree flower.)
Variants and Related Words
Phượng vĩ (n): Another very common Vietnamese name for the same Delonix regia tree.
- Phượng vĩ nở hoa là dấu hiệu của mùa thi. (The royal poinciana blooming is a sign of the exam season.)
Cây phượng (n): A shortened, colloquial term for the tree.
- Chúng tôi ngồi chơi dưới gốc cây phượng. (We sat and played under the poinciana tree.)
Synonyms
- Flame tree: Emphasizes the fiery color of its flowers.
- Royal poinciana: The common English name.
- Flamboyant: A name used in many English-speaking regions.
- Gulmohar: A common name used in South Asia.
Notes
- The reference definition "oeillet d'Espagne" (Spanish carnation) points to an older or more specific botanical usage. In modern Vietnamese, "kim phượng" is overwhelmingly understood as the tree. The connection to "Spanish carnation" may refer to a different, smaller ornamental plant.