Definition

1. Noun:

   • Aglaia tree: A type of tree belonging to the mahogany family (Meliaceae), known for its small, clustered, and fragrant flowers, often used to scent tea.
   • The seventh lunar month: In the Vietnamese lunar calendar, this refers to the month typically characterized by persistent, drizzling rains.

2. Adjective:

   • Pertaining to the seventh lunar month: Describes phenomena, especially weather, associated with this time of year.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Tree):

  • Hương hoa ngâu thoang thoảng trong vườn. (The scent of aglaia flowers wafts faintly in the garden.)
  • Chè ướp hoa ngâu có mùi thơm đặc biệt. (Tea scented with aglaia flowers has a unique fragrance.)

• Noun (Month)/Adjective:

  • Tháng bảy âm lịch còn gọi là tháng ngâu. (The seventh lunar month is also called the ngâu month.)
  • Trời đang vào tiết ngâu, mưa dầm dề. (It's the ngâu season, with incessant rain.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is most commonly encountered in the fixed phrase "mưa ngâu", which specifically denotes the long-lasting, drizzling rain characteristic of the seventh lunar month.
  • Mưa ngâu kéo dài cả tuần khiến đường phố ngập lụt. (The ngâu rain lasted a whole week, flooding the streets.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mưa ngâu (n): The persistent rain of the seventh lunar month.
• Tiết ngâu (n): The season or period (the seventh lunar month).
• Hoa ngâu (n): The flower of the aglaia tree.

Synonyms

• For the month: Tháng bảy âm lịch (the seventh lunar month).
• For the rain: Mưa dầm (drizzling rain), mưa dai dẳng (persistent rain).

Related Cultural Concepts

• Mưa ngâu: This rain is often featured in Vietnamese poetry and folklore, associated with the legend of the Weaver Girl (Chức Nữ) and the Cowherd (Ngưu Lang), whose annual meeting on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month is said to cause tears of joy or sorrow that fall as the rain.

1. Aglaia (kind of tree with fragrant little flowers)
2. Seventh lunar month
   • Mưa ngâu
     The seventh lunar month lasting rain