li hương
Definition
- Verb (literary, formal):
- To leave one's homeland; to be separated from one's native place: This term describes the act of departing from or being away from one's hometown, village, or country of origin. It carries a classical, poetic nuance and often implies a sense of longing or forced separation.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Vì chiến tranh, ông ấy đã phải li hương từ năm mười sáu tuổi. (Because of war, he had to leave his homeland at the age of sixteen.)
- Nỗi nhớ da diết của kẻ li hương. (The poignant longing of one who is separated from their native land.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in literary, historical, or formal contexts. It is not common in everyday spoken Vietnamese. The emotion associated with li hương is typically one of nostalgia, sorrow, or sacrifice.
Variants and Related Words
- Ly hương: This is a common alternate spelling for li hương. The meaning is identical.
- Ly hương (n): Can also function as a noun meaning "an exile" or "a person separated from their homeland."
- Ông ấy là một kẻ ly hương. (He is an exile.)
Synonyms
- Rời quê hương: to leave one's homeland (more common, neutral tone).
- Lưu vong: to go into exile (stronger, often for political reasons).
- Xa quê: to be far from home (general).
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Nỗi buồn li hương: the sorrow of being away from home.
- Thơ ông ấy thấm đẫm nỗi buồn li hương. (His poetry is soaked in the sorrow of being away from home.)
- Kẻ li hương: a person who has left their homeland; an exile.
- Câu chuyện cảm động về những kẻ li hương. (The touching story of those separated from their homeland.)