lục súc
Definition
- Noun:
- The six domestic animals: A traditional Vietnamese collective term referring to the six primary livestock animals kept for utility, companionship, and agricultural support. These are specifically: horse, ox (or cow), goat, chicken, dog, and pig.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- "Lục súc" là một khái niệm quen thuộc trong văn hóa nông nghiệp Việt Nam. ("Lục súc" is a familiar concept in Vietnamese agricultural culture.)
- Tranh dân gian thường vẽ cảnh lục súc quây quần. (Folk paintings often depict scenes of the six domestic animals gathering together.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept of "lục súc" is deeply embedded in East Asian cultural history, representing more than just animals; it symbolizes domestic prosperity, self-sufficient farming life, and harmony within the household.
- It is a fixed term; the six animals are not interchangeable with other species.
Variants and Related Words
- Gia súc (n): livestock, domestic animals (a broader, more modern term not limited to six specific types).
- Trang trại này nuôi nhiều loại gia súc. (This farm raises many types of livestock.)
Synonyms
- The six domestic animals: The direct English translation of the term.
- Traditional livestock: Emphasizes their historical and agricultural role.
Cultural Note
- The "lục súc" (六畜) originates from Chinese culture and was adopted into Vietnamese tradition. Each animal is believed to contribute uniquely: the horse for transport, the ox for plowing, the goat/sheep for wool and meat, the chicken for eggs and meat, the dog for guarding, and the pig for meat. They are central figures in folklore, proverbs, and Lunar New Year wishes for household wealth.