Definitions

1. Noun:
   • Crocodile: An archaic Vietnamese term for a large aquatic reptile with a long body, powerful jaws, and a tough, scaly hide, belonging to the order Crocodilia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong văn bản cổ, "ngạc ngư" thường được nhắc đến như một loài thủy quái. (In ancient texts, "ngạc ngư" is often mentioned as a kind of aquatic monster.)
  • "Ngạc ngư" là từ Hán Việt, ngày nay chúng ta thường dùng "cá sấu". ("Ngạc ngư" is a Sino-Vietnamese word; today we commonly use "cá sấu".)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily found in historical, literary, or classical texts. Its usage in modern Vietnamese is extremely rare and would be considered archaic or highly formal, often used to evoke a classical or poetic tone.
  • Nhà thơ đã dùng hình ảnh "ngạc ngư" để tăng tính hùng tráng cho bài thơ. (The poet used the image of "ngạc ngư" to enhance the epic quality of the poem.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cá sấu (n): The standard, modern Vietnamese word for crocodile or alligator.
• Thuồng luồng (n): A mythical aquatic dragon or serpent in Vietnamese folklore; sometimes used poetically or in older texts for large, dangerous aquatic creatures, but distinct from "ngạc ngư".

Synonyms

• Crocodile (English): The direct translation and equivalent term.
• Alligator (English): A related reptile, but in common Vietnamese usage, "cá sấu" can refer to both.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "ngạc ngư" (鳄鱼) is a direct borrowing from Chinese, where it is the standard word for crocodile. In Vietnamese, it has become obsolete in everyday language.
• It carries a classical or literary connotation. When encountered, it signifies the same animal as the modern "cá sấu".

1. (từ cũ) Crocodile