ngọn đèn
Definition
- Noun:
- The flame of a lamp or candle: This is the original, literal meaning, referring specifically to the burning, luminous part (the flame) of an oil lamp, candle, or similar light source.
- A lamp; a light: In modern, general usage, it commonly refers to the entire lamp or light fixture itself, not just its flame. It implies a source of artificial light.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ngọn đèn dầu lung linh trong đêm. (The oil lamp's flame flickered in the night.)
- Hãy bật ngọn đèn trên bàn học lên. (Please turn on the desk lamp.)
- Những ngọn đèn đường chiếu sáng cả con phố. (The streetlights illuminated the whole street.)
Advanced Usage
- "nói có ngọn đèn": This is a fixed expression meaning "to speak with a higher power as one's witness" or "to swear solemnly." It originates from the practice of swearing an oath before a lamp or candle flame, invoking divine witness.
- Tôi nói có ngọn đèn, tôi không hề lấy tiền của anh. (I swear solemnly, I did not take your money.)
Variants and Related Words
- Đèn (n): The general word for lamp, light, or lantern.
- đèn pin (flashlight), đèn đường (streetlight).
- Ngọn nến (n): The flame of a candle; also used to mean the candle itself.
- Ngọn lửa (n): A flame, a fire (more general, not specifically from a lamp).
Synonyms
- Flame (for the original meaning).
- Lamp.
- Light.
Related Idioms
- Nói có ngọn đèn: As described in Advanced Usage, to swear an oath, to affirm something solemnly.