kình ngạc
Definition
- Noun (Classical/Literary):
- Whale and crocodile: A classical compound term referring to two formidable aquatic creatures, the whale and the crocodile, symbolizing immense power and ferocity.
- Brave and strong soldiers; fierce rebels: By metaphorical extension, it refers to exceptionally valiant and powerful warriors or, conversely, to fierce and cruel rebels or pirates.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Trong văn chương cổ, "kình ngạc" thường tượng trưng cho sức mạnh ghê gớm. (In classical literature, "kình ngạc" often symbolizes formidable power.)
- Đội quân ấy thực sự là những kình ngạc, không đối thủ nào địch nổi. (That army were truly fierce warriors, undefeatable by any rival.)
- Vùng biển ấy một thời bị kình ngạc quấy nhiễu. (That sea area was once harassed by fierce pirates.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is almost exclusively used in classical, literary, or historical contexts. It is archaic and would sound out of place in modern, everyday conversation. It is typically found in historical narratives, classical poetry, or texts describing legendary battles or formidable forces.
Variants and Related Words
- Kình (cá kình): Whale. Often used alone in classical texts to denote something huge and powerful.
- Ngạc (cá ngạc / giao ngạc): Crocodile or alligator. A classical term for a fierce, aquatic reptile.
Synonyms
- Fierce warriors: Dũng sĩ, hùng binh.
- Formidable rebels: Giặc cường bạo, phản loạn hung dữ.
- Pirates: Hải tặc, cướp biển (modern equivalent).
Related Idioms
- Kình ngạc hải tặc: A reinforced phrase meaning "fierce pirates of the sea," emphasizing their terror and power.
- Sử sách ghi lại những trận hải chiến với bọn kình ngạc hải tặc. (Historical records document naval battles with those fierce sea pirates.)
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(cũ; văn chương) Whale and crocodile; brave and strong soldiers; fierce rebels