loan phượng, uyên ương
Definition
- Noun:
- A pair of mythical birds, often used metaphorically: "loan phượng, uyên ương" refers to two pairs of birds from Chinese and Vietnamese mythology and culture. "Loan phượng" (the luan and feng or phoenix) and "uyên ương" (mandarin ducks) are each symbols of a devoted couple. The phrase is used to denote a pair of lovers or spouses.
- A state of separation for a couple: Specifically, the phrase often carries the connotation of one half of each pair being alone, implying a couple who are separated or living apart, with only the loan (female phoenix) and the uyên (male mandarin duck) present.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Họ từng đẹp đôi như loan phượng, uyên ương, giờ đã ly tán. (They were once a beautiful couple like the luan-phoenix and mandarin ducks, but are now separated.)
- Câu chuyện kể về nỗi buồn loan phượng, uyên ương. (The story tells of the sorrow of separated lovers.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is a classical, literary allusion. It is primarily found in poetry, classical literature, or formal writing to evoke a sense of tragic romance or marital separation.
- It functions as a metaphorical compound noun, where the names of the birds directly symbolize the human couple.
Variants and Related Words
- Loan phượng (n): The and phoenix; a pair symbolizing marital harmony and nobility.
- Uyên ương (n): Mandarin ducks; a pair symbolizing lifelong fidelity and affectionate couples.
Synonyms
- Separated lovers: A couple who are parted.
- Parted spouses: Husband and wife who live apart.
Related Idioms
- Uyên ương lẻ bạn: (Mandarin ducks losing their mate) – To be separated from one's beloved.
- Loan bay phượng múa: (The flies, the phoenix dances) – Often used to describe a harmonious and prosperous situation, contrasting with the separation implied in the target phrase.