Definition

1. Verb phrase:

   • To ascend the throne: The primary meaning of "lên ngôi" refers to the formal act of a monarch beginning their reign, officially becoming king, queen, or emperor.
   • To be crowned: It can describe the ceremony or event where sovereign power is formally assumed.

2. Verb phrase (figurative):

   • To rise to the top position / to become dominant: In modern, extended usage, "lên ngôi" is used to indicate that someone or something has achieved the highest position, supremacy, or widespread popularity in a non-royal field (e.g., sports, business, fashion).

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase (literal):

  • Vị tân vương chính thức lên ngôi vào mùa xuân. (The new monarch officially ascended the throne in the spring.)
  • Lễ lên ngôi của nữ hoàng được truyền hình trực tiếp. (The queen's coronation was broadcast live.)

• Verb phrase (figurative):

  • Đội tuyển đó đã lên ngôi vô địch thế giới. (That team rose to become world champions.)
  • Mẫu điện thoại mới lên ngôi về doanh số bán ra. (The new phone model became dominant in sales.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used with abstract concepts to mean "to reign" or "to become the era of."
  • Công nghệ kỹ thuật số lên ngôi. (The digital technology era has begun. / Digital technology now reigns.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đăng quang (v): to be crowned, to ascend the throne. This is a more formal and literary synonym for the literal meaning.
• Làm vua (v): to be/become king. A simpler, more direct phrase.
• Sự lên ngôi (n): the accession, the coronation, the rise to power.

Synonyms

• Ascend the throne: To formally become monarch.
• Be crowned: To receive the crown in a ceremony.
• Assume the throne: To take up sovereign power.
• Rise to power: To achieve a dominant position (figurative).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Lên ngôi báu: Specifically emphasizes ascending the precious throne, adding a sense of value and grandeur.
  • Hoàng tử kế vị chuẩn bị lên ngôi báu. (The crown prince is preparing to ascend the precious throne.)
• While "lên ngôi" itself is the core phrase, it is often part of larger constructions like "" (to ascend as king) or "" (to ascend as emperor) for specificity.