lưu cầu

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The Vietnamese word "lưu cầu" has a rich history and can be understood in a couple of ways.

Meaning:

1. Literal Meaning: Traditionally, "lưu cầu" refers to a "jade-inlaid sword." This term combines "lưu" (which can mean to preserve or keep) and "cầu" (which can refer to a sword or a weapon). The jade-inlaid sword symbolizes something precious and beautiful but is also a weapon, representing conflict or struggle.

2. Figurative Meaning: In a more poetic sense, it highlights the idea of conflict not being resolved through physical means (like a sword) but through emotional struggles (like cares and melancholy). This usage can be found in literature, such as in the quote: "giết nhau chẳng cái lưu cầu, giết nhau bằng cái ưu sầu độc chưa" (not to kill one another with jade inlaid swords, but with cares and melancholy, oh how wicked!).

Usage Instructions:

• "Lưu cầu" can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts when discussing themes of conflict, emotion, or the duality of beauty and violence.
• It is often found in poetry or literary discussions, so it may not be common in everyday conversation.

Example:

• Literal: The ancient warriors carried their lưu cầu into battle, showcasing both their artistry and their skill.
• Figurative: In the poem, the author suggests that true harm comes not from the lưu cầu but from the deep sorrows we carry within ourselves.

Advanced Usage:

• In literature, "lưu cầu" may be used to contrast physical violence with emotional pain, illustrating a deeper understanding of human conflict.
• You might encounter it in discussions about the impact of societal issues or personal relationships, where emotional struggles are more prevalent than physical confrontations.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "lưu cầu," but you may encounter related terms that discuss weapons or emotional struggles in a literary context.

Different Meanings:

• While "lưu cầu" is primarily associated with the jade-inlaid sword, it can also symbolize the idea of conflict resolution through emotional understanding rather than physical violence.

Synonyms:

• For the literal sense of a weapon, synonyms might include "kiếm" (sword) or "vũ khí" (weapon).
• For the metaphorical sense, synonyms could be "nỗi buồn" (sorrow) or "cảm xúc" (emotion).

Academic

1. (từ cũ; nghĩa cũ) Jade-inlaid sword
   • "Giết nhau chẳng cái lưu cầu, Giết nhau bằng cái ưu sầu độc chưa " (Nguyễn Gia Thiều)
     Not to kill one another with jade inlaid swords, but with cares and melancholy, oh how wicked!