ngọc thạch
Definition
- Noun:
- Jade: A hard, typically green gemstone, highly valued in many Asian cultures for its beauty and used in carvings, jewelry, and ornamental objects. It refers specifically to the mineral jadeite or nephrite.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Chiếc vòng được làm từ ngọc thạch. (The bracelet is made from jade.)
- Ngọc thạch xanh là loại quý giá nhất. (Green jade is the most precious type.)
- Nghệ nhân đang chạm khắc tượng bằng ngọc thạch. (The artisan is carving a statue from jade.)
Advanced Usage
- In gemology and trade, "ngọc thạch" is a specific term for jade, distinguishing it from other gemstones like ruby ("hồng ngọc") or sapphire ("lam ngọc").
Variants and Related Words
Ngọc (n): A general term for precious stone, gem, or jewel.
- Cô ấy thích đeo trang sức bằng ngọc. (She likes to wear jewelry made of gemstones.)
Ngọc bích (n): Often used synonymously with "ngọc thạch" to mean jade, particularly emphasizing a lush green color.
- Mặt dây chuyền ngọc bích rất đẹp. (The jade pendant is very beautiful.)
Synonyms
- Jade: The direct English equivalent for "ngọc thạch".
- Jadeite: A specific, harder type of jade.
- Nephrite: Another mineral species commonly known as jade.
Related Cultural Concepts
- Ngọc thạch is deeply associated with cultural values, symbolizing purity, serenity, and good luck in Vietnamese and East Asian traditions. It is a common material for heirlooms, amulets, and high-status artifacts.