Definition

1. Noun:
   • A female singer-entertainer in traditional Vietnamese culture (archaic): "Nhà tơ" refers to a woman, typically in the pre-modern era, whose profession was to sing and provide musical entertainment, often in a social or communal setting. The term is now considered obsolete.
   • A courtesan (archaic): In some historical contexts, the role could overlap with that of a courtesan, providing companionship alongside musical performance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong văn học cổ, hình ảnh nhà tơ thường xuất hiện trong các quán rượu. (In classical literature, the image of the nhà tơ often appeared in taverns.)
  • Nghề nhà tơ đã không còn tồn tại trong xã hội hiện đại. (The profession of the nhà tơ no longer exists in modern society.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "nhà tơ" is exclusively used in historical or literary contexts to evoke a past era. Using it in contemporary conversation would sound archaic.

Variants and Related Words

• Cô đầu (cũ): An older, synonymous term for "nhà tơ," also obsolete.
• Đào nương: A more formal or classical term for a female singer or actress in traditional Vietnamese opera (like or ), sometimes used in similar contexts but with a stronger association to theatrical performance.
• Ca kỹ: A term for a female singer or songstress, which can also carry historical connotations.

Synonyms

• Chanteuse (French loanword, historical context): A female singer.
• Female entertainer (historical context): A general term.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is a female singer-entertainer. The secondary meaning of courtesan is context-dependent and reflects the complex social status of such performers in historical Vietnam. The term itself focuses on the musical and entertainment role.

1. (cũ) như cô đầu