ngọc và châu
Definition
- Noun phrase:
- Pearls and jade: A classical compound phrase literally meaning "jade and pearls," used to symbolize supreme beauty, purity, and preciousness. It often refers to something or someone of exquisite and invaluable quality.
- Treasure / precious gems: Used metaphorically to represent anything of great worth, virtue, or exceptional beauty, such as a talented person or a masterpiece.
Usage Examples
- Noun phrase:
- Cô ấy đẹp như ngọc và châu. (She is as beautiful as pearls and jade.)
- Tác phẩm ấy thực sự là ngọc và châu của nền văn học. (That work is truly the pearl and jade of the literature.)
- Anh ta coi con gái mình như ngọc và châu. (He treats his daughter as if she were pearls and jade.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is deeply rooted in classical Vietnamese literature and poetry. It is a fixed, elegant expression used for lofty praise, often in formal or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation.
- "Gieo ngọc trầm châu": A specific literary allusion from "The Tale of Kieu," meaning "to cast jade and sink pearls." It poetically describes the tragic fate of the heroine, Thúy Kiều, symbolizing the destruction of beauty and virtue.
Variants and Related Words
- Ngọc trai (n): Pearl (specifically the gemstone).
- Chiếc vòng cổ làm bằng ngọc trai. (The necklace is made of pearls.)
- Ngọc bích (n): Jade (specifically jadeite).
- Chiếc bình được chạm từ ngọc bích. (The vase is carved from jade.)
- Châu báu (n): Jewels, treasures.
- Hầm chứa đầy châu báu. (The vault is full of jewels.)
Synonyms
- Treasure: Something of great value.
- Gem / Jewel: A precious stone; a highly prized person or thing.
- Priceless: Of inestimable worth.
Related Idioms and Classical Allusions
- Ngọc lành châu tốt: "Fine jade and excellent pearls." An idiom describing a person of perfect moral character and noble qualities.
- (Được) nâng niu như ngọc như châu: "(To be) cherished like jade and pearls." Meaning to be treasured and cared for with the utmost devotion.