kì lân
Definition
- Noun:
- A mythical creature: "kì lân" refers to a legendary, auspicious beast in East Asian mythology, often depicted with a dragon-like head, deer's body, covered in scales, and having a single horn. It symbolizes good fortune, wisdom, and nobility.
- A unicorn: In modern, cross-cultural contexts, "kì lân" is also used to translate the Western concept of a unicorn, a horse-like creature with a single horn on its forehead.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Trong truyền thuyết Á Đông, kì lân là một linh vật hiền lành và tốt bụng. (In East Asian legends, the kì lân is a gentle and benevolent mythical creature.)
- Bức tranh thêu hình con kì lân tượng trưng cho sự thịnh vượng. (The embroidered picture of a kì lân symbolizes prosperity.)
- Cô bé rất thích những câu chuyện về kì lân có sừng. (The little girl loves stories about the horned unicorn.)
Advanced Usage
- "kì lân gặp mưa": An idiom implying a rare and fortunate encounter, like a mythical creature appearing.
- Được gặp giáo sư ấy hướng dẫn đúng là kì lân gặp mưa. (To be tutored by that professor is truly a rare and fortunate encounter.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lân (n): A common shortened form, especially in compound words and cultural contexts like lion dancing ().
- Nghê (n): Another mythical guardian creature in Vietnamese culture, often confused with but distinct from the .
- Unicorn (n): The direct English equivalent for the Western mythical creature.
Synonyms
- Linh thú (n): Mythical beast, magical creature.
- Thần thú (n): Divine beast.
Related Phrases
- Múa lân: Lion dance (a performance featuring a stylized lion/lân creature, especially during Tet).
- Tết nào cũng có đoàn múa lân đi khắp phố. (Every Tet, there are lion dance troupes performing throughout the streets.)
Related Idioms
- "Lân mã sum vầy": An auspicious phrase meaning "May the and horse gather," wishing for family reunion and happiness, often used in weddings or during Tet.
- Chúc mọi nhà một năm mới lân mã sum vầy. (Wishing every family a New Year of joyful reunion.)