Definition

1. Noun:
   • Elegy: A type of lyrical poem, often melancholic and reflective in tone, expressing sorrow, lamentation, or deep contemplation, typically for something lost or past. In Vietnamese literary tradition, it often follows specific rhythmic patterns.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • "Khóc Dương Khuê" được coi là một ngâm khúc nổi tiếng của Nguyễn Khuyến. ("Khóc Dương Khuê" is considered a famous elegy by Nguyễn Khuyến.)
  • Thể loại ngâm khúc thường chứa đựng những cảm xúc bi ai. (The elegy genre often contains mournful emotions.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "ngâm khúc" is used specifically in the context of Vietnamese classical poetry and music. It refers to a formal, often sung or recited, poetic composition of lament.

Variants and Related Words

• Văn tế (n): funeral oration; a prose or verse composition read at rituals to mourn the dead, sharing thematic similarities with an elegy but differing in ritual purpose.
• Ai điếu (n): dirge; a song or poem of mourning, closely related to an elegy.

Synonyms

• Lament: A passionate expression of grief or sorrow.
• Dirge: A mournful song, piece of music, or poem.
• Threnody: A song, hymn, or poem of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person.

Related Idioms

• While there is no direct idiom with "ngâm khúc", the sentiment is captured in phrases like:
  • Khóc than thảm thiết: To wail or lament bitterly.

    • Bài thơ như một lời khóc than thảm thiết cho số phận. (The poem is like a bitter lament for fate.)

1. Elegy