Definition

1. Noun:
   • Jade pendant / Jade ornament: A piece of jewelry, typically made of jade, worn as a pendant or amulet. It is often intricately carved and considered a valuable object.
   • (Figurative, literary) A paragon of virtue; a pearl of great price: Used in classical literature to metaphorically describe a person of exceptional moral character, integrity, and worth.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cô ấy đeo một chiếc ngọc bội hình con rồng. (She wears a jade pendant shaped like a dragon.)
  • Chiếc ngọc bội này là bảo vật truyền gia. (This jade ornament is a family heirloom.)
  • Trong thơ ca, "ngọc bội" thường ví với người quân tử. (In poetry, "ngọc bội" is often compared to a nobleman of virtue.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily found in historical, literary, or formal contexts. In modern, everyday language, more specific terms like "mặt ngọc" (jade pendant face) or "mặt dây chuyền bằng ngọc" (jade necklace pendant) are commonly used for the jewelry item. The figurative meaning is almost exclusively classical.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngọc (n): Jade; gem; a precious stone.
  • Vòng tay bằng ngọc (A jade bracelet)
• Bội (n, literary): An ornament; a piece of jewelry for adornment.
• Bảo bối (n): A treasure; a precious object.

Synonyms

• Jade pendant: For the physical object.
• Paragon: For the figurative meaning (a paragon of virtue).
• Exemplar: For the figurative meaning (a model of excellence).

Related Idioms

• Ngọc bội kim môn (Literary: Jade pendant and golden gate): A classical idiom referring to aristocratic, noble, and virtuous families or individuals.
  • Chẳng sân ngọc bội cũng phường kim môn. (They are either from the courtyard of jade pendants or the guild of golden gates — meaning they are from noble lineages.)

1. Gem ornament.
2. (nghĩa bóng) (từ cũ) Pearl (from the moral point of view), paragon of virtue