Definition

1. Noun:
   • Groom; stableman; ostler: A person whose job is to feed, care for, and groom horses, typically working in a stable. This term is considered somewhat archaic or historical.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông cụ từng làm mã phu cho một trại ngựa. (The old man once worked as a groom for a horse ranch.)
  • Công việc của một mã phu đòi hỏi sự hiểu biết về ngựa. (The work of a stableman requires knowledge of horses.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "mã phu" is derived from Sino-Vietnamese roots ("mã" 馬 meaning horse, "phu" 夫 meaning man or laborer). It is primarily found in historical or literary contexts and is less common in modern everyday speech, where terms like "người chăm ngựa" (horse caretaker) might be used.

Variants and Related Words

• Người chăm ngựa / Người giữ ngựa (n): A more modern, descriptive phrase for a horse caretaker or keeper.
• Kỵ sĩ (n): Rider, horseman. (Note: This refers to the person riding the horse, not caring for it.)

Synonyms

• Groom: A person employed to take care of horses.
• Stablehand / Stableman: A worker in a stable.
• Ostler: (Archaic) A man employed to look after the horses of people staying at an inn.

Notes on Usage

• "Mã phu" specifically denotes a male attendant. The gender-neutral or female equivalent in modern contexts would be described with phrases like "người chăm ngựa."
• As an older term, it often carries a connotation of a servant role within a wealthy or aristocratic household, as seen in the reference context ("trong một gia đình quí phái" - in a noble family).

noun

1. groom; stableman; ostlen