mạch tuệ

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Barley ear: The literal meaning refers to the ear or spike of a barley plant.
    • Symbol of benevolent governance: A classical literary term symbolizing a virtuous and effective official who promotes agriculture and cares for the people's welfare, based on a historical anecdote.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Trên cánh đồng, những bông mạch tuệ trĩu hạt. (In the field, the barley ears were heavy with grain.)
    • Vị quan ấy được dân chúng ca tụng như một mạch tuệ, vì đã mang lại ấm no cho làng xóm. (That mandarin was praised by the people as a symbol of benevolent governance, for bringing prosperity to the villages.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term is primarily used in classical or literary contexts, often to allude to the story of Zhang Kan from the Han Dynasty, who encouraged sericulture and agriculture, leading to abundant mulberries and grains. It is a metaphor for fruitful and compassionate administration.
Variants and Related Words
  • Mạch (n): Barley.
    • Rượu whisky thường được làm từ mạch. (Whisky is often made from barley.)
  • Lúa mạch (n): Barley (common modern term for the crop).
    • Bánh mì lúa mạch rất tốt cho sức khỏe. (Barley bread is very healthy.)
Synonyms
  • Barley spike: For the literal botanical meaning.
  • Model official: For the figurative meaning.
Related Idioms
  • Mạch tuệ dâu xanh: This phrase directly references the full story, meaning "luxuriant barley and green mulberries," symbolizing prosperity and well-being brought about by good governance.
    • Mong cho vùng đất mới sớm có được cảnh mạch tuệ dâu xanh. (May the new land soon see the prosperity of luxuriant barley and green mulberries.)