mệnh bạc
Definition
- Noun:
- A frail or unfortunate fate; a bitter destiny: This term traditionally describes a life of hardship, misfortune, or a short, tragic lifespan. It often carries a poetic and lamenting tone.
- The ill-fated lot of women in old society: Specifically, it refers to the predetermined, unfortunate destiny and suffering experienced by women under the patriarchal systems of the past.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Nàng than thở về mệnh bạc của mình. (She lamented her unfortunate fate.)
- Số phận mệnh bạc khiến bà sớm góa bụa. (A bitter destiny left her widowed early.)
- Trong văn học cổ, nhiều nhân vật nữ có mệnh bạc. (In classical literature, many female characters have a tragic lot.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in literary, historical, or reflective contexts to evoke sympathy and comment on predetermined suffering, especially regarding gender roles in feudal society.
Variants and Related Words
Bạc mệnh (n): This is an inverted form with the same meaning, also used poetically.
- Khúc ca bạc mệnh. (A song of a tragic fate.)
Phận bạc (n): A similar term meaning "wretched lot" or "poor destiny," often interchangeable with mệnh bạc.
- Phận bạc long đong. (A wretched, unstable lot.)
Synonyms
- Ill-fated destiny: A destiny marked by bad luck.
- Tragic lot: A share of life filled with misfortune.
- Cruel fate: A harsh and unkind destiny.
Related Idioms
- Hồng nhan bạc mệnh: "A beautiful face, a tragic fate." This is a classical idiom describing the trope of beautiful women suffering unfortunate destinies.
- Câu chuyện đó là điển hình cho mẫu hồng nhan bạc mệnh. (That story is typical of the "beauty with a tragic fate" archetype.)