Definition

1. Noun:
   • Double tile: A traditional Vietnamese roofing tile system composed of two distinct, interlocking tile types: a flat, slightly concave tile (the âm or female tile) and a rounded, convex tile with a hooked edge (the dương or male tile). When laid together, they form a complete, waterproof roof layer.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Mái nhà rường cổ thường lợp bằng ngói âm dương. (The roof of the ancient timber house is typically covered with double tiles.)
  • Ngói âm dương màu đỏ tạo nên vẻ đẹp cổ kính cho ngôi chùa. (The red double tiles create an ancient beauty for the pagoda.)

Advanced Usage

• The terms (yin tile) and (yang tile) can be used separately to refer to the individual components of the system.
  • Thợ lợp đặt các viên ngói âm trước, sau đó phủ ngói dương lên trên. (The roofer lays the yin tiles first, then covers them with the yang tiles.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngói máng (n): Refers specifically to the flat, concave tile.
• Ngói úp nóc (n): Ridge tile, used at the apex of a roof, often distinct from the field tiles.
• Ngói vảy cá (n): Fish-scale tile; another traditional style where tiles overlap in a pattern resembling scales.

Synonyms

• Double tile: The direct descriptive translation.
• Interlocking tile: Describes the functional mechanism of the two tile types.
• Traditional Vietnamese tile: A general term indicating its cultural origin and common use.

Related Concepts

• Âm Dương (Yin-Yang): The philosophical concept of complementary opposites, from which the tile system derives its name, symbolizing harmony and completeness.
• Mái ngói cổ (n): An ancient tiled roof, for which this tile type is characteristic.
• Kiến trúc truyền thống Việt Nam (n): Traditional Vietnamese architecture, where this roofing method is a defining feature.

1. Double tile