kì nhông
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of lizard: "kì nhông" refers to a small to medium-sized reptile belonging to the family Agamidae, often characterized by its ability to change color and its spiny appearance. It is commonly found in tropical regions like Vietnam.
- A salamander (in some contexts): In older or zoological classifications, particularly from French influence, "kì nhông" can also refer to a salamander, which is an amphibian. However, in modern Vietnamese common usage, it primarily refers to the lizard.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Trong vườn có một con kì nhông đang bò trên tường. (There is a lizard crawling on the wall in the garden.)
- Kì nhông có thể thay đổi màu sắc để ngụy trang. (The lizard can change color for camouflage.)
- Theo từ điển cũ, 'kì nhông' cũng có thể chỉ con kỳ giông. (According to old dictionaries, 'kì nhông' can also refer to the salamander.)
Advanced Usage
- "Da kì nhông": Literally "lizard skin," sometimes used metaphorically to describe rough or scaly skin texture.
- Bàn tay anh ấy sần sùi như da kì nhông vì làm việc nặng. (His hands are rough like lizard skin from hard labor.)
Variants and Related Words
- Kỳ nhông: An alternative spelling with the same meaning.
- Kỳ đà (Monitor lizard): A much larger type of lizard.
- Tắc kè (Gecko): A different type of small lizard known for its climbing ability and distinctive call.
- Kỳ giông (Salamander): The amphibian, which is a distinct animal from the agamid lizard.
Synonyms
- Thằn lằn: Lizard (a more general term; "kì nhông" is a specific type of "thằn lằn").
- Rồng đất: Literally "earth dragon," a folk or poetic name for certain lizards.
Related Phrases (if applicable)
- Nhanh như kì nhông: As fast as a lizard (used to describe quick movement).
- Đứa bé chạy nhanh như kì nhông. (The child runs as fast as a lizard.)
Related Idioms