Definition

1. Verb (archaic):
   • To go to the capital city: Refers to the act of traveling to or proceeding toward the national capital, specifically under a monarchical regime. This term is historical and denotes a formal journey to the seat of royal power.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Các quan địa phương phải lai kinh để chầu vua. (Local mandarins had to go to the capital to attend the king.)
  • Sứ thần lai kinh dâng lễ vật. (The envoy went to the capital to present tributes.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "lai kinh" is almost exclusively found in historical texts or narratives about feudal Vietnam. It implies a sense of duty, formality, and reverence associated with the royal court.

Variants and Related Words

• Kinh đô (n): The capital city.
  • Huế từng là kinh đô của triều Nguyễn. (Huế was once the capital of the Nguyễn dynasty.)
• Kinh thành (n): The capital citadel or imperial city.
  • Phố cổ Hội An cách kinh thành Huế không xa. (The Hội An ancient town is not far from the Huế imperial city.)

Synonyms

• To proceed to the capital: A formal synonym emphasizing the journey.
• To attend court: Specifically implies going to the capital for an audience with the monarch.

Related Idioms

• Vào chầu: To have an audience with the king/emperor. This is often the purpose of "lai kinh".
  • Sau khi lai kinh, vị quan được vào chầu. (After going to the capital, the mandarin was granted an audience.)

1. (cũ) Go to the capital