mậu

Mậu là một chữ trong thập can.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • The fifth heavenly stem: In the traditional East Asian decimal cycle of "Heavenly Stems" (Thập Can), "Mậu" is the fifth element. This system is used for calendrical, historical, and symbolic purposes.

2. Adjective (in compound terms):

   • Luxuriant / abundant / thriving: When used in certain classical or compound words, "mậu" conveys a sense of lushness, prosperity, or vigorous growth. This meaning is derived from the Chinese character root.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Năm đó là năm Mậu Thìn. (That year was the year of Mậu Thìn [e.g., 1988, 2048].)
  • Giáp, Ất, Bính, Đinh, Mậu là năm can đầu tiên. (Giáp, Ất, Bính, Đinh, Mậu are the first five heavenly stems.)

Advanced Usage

• "Mậu" in historical context: The heavenly stems, including "Mậu", were traditionally combined with the twelve earthly branches (Địa Chi) to form a 60-year cycle used for dating years in historical records.
  • Triều đại này bắt đầu vào năm Mậu Tý. (This dynasty began in the year of Mậu Tý.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mậu dịch (n): commerce, trade. (Note: This is a compound word where "mậu" contributes the sense of "abundance" in goods).

  • Công ty phát triển ngành mậu dịch. (The company develops the trade industry.)

• Phồn mậu / sum suê mậu mạp (adj phrases): lush, luxuriant, prosperous (often describing vegetation or business).

  • Cánh đồng cây cối phồn mậu. (The field has lush vegetation.)

Synonyms

• Fifth stem: (specific to the cyclical order).
• Lush: (for the adjectival sense in compounds).
• Prosperous: (for the adjectival sense in compounds).

Related Concepts

• Thập Can (Heavenly Stems): The full sequence is: Giáp, Ất, Bính, Đinh, Mậu, Kỷ, Canh, Tân, Nhâm, Quý.
• Lục thập hoa giáp (60-year cycle): The combinatorial system of 10 stems and 12 branches used in the traditional calendar.