Definition

1. Noun:
   • A spear: A weapon consisting of a long wooden shaft with a sharp, typically metal, point at one end, used historically for thrusting or throwing in combat and hunting.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Người lính cầm ngọn giáo dài. (The soldier held a long spear.)
  • Ngọn giáo là vũ khí phổ biến của các chiến binh cổ đại. (The spear was a common weapon of ancient warriors.)
  • Họ phóng ngọn giáo về phía con thú. (They hurled the spear toward the beast.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "ngọn giáo" can be used metaphorically in literary contexts to symbolize military aggression, conflict, or a piercing critique.
  • Bài báo đó là một ngọn giáo nhắm vào chính sách của chính phủ. (That article was a spear aimed at the government's policy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Giáo (n): A shorter, more general term for a spear or lance. "Ngọn giáo" often emphasizes the entire spear as a unit, including its shaft and point.
• Thương (n): Another type of long spear or pike, sometimes used interchangeably in historical contexts but can imply a specific design.

Synonyms

• Spear: A general term for a thrusting or throwing weapon with a pointed head.
• Lance: A long spear, especially one used by mounted knights or cavalry.
• Javelin: A light spear designed primarily for throwing.

Related Idioms

• Đầu ngọn giáo: Literally "the tip of the spear." Used figuratively to mean the vanguard, the leading edge of an attack, movement, or effort.
  • Đơn vị của họ là đầu ngọn giáo trong cuộc tấn công. (Their unit was the tip of the spear in the assault.)