nàn
Definition
- Noun (literary, archaic):
- Calamity; disaster; misfortune: A phonetic variant of the word "nạn," used in classical Vietnamese literature to denote a great misfortune, catastrophe, or scourge.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Gặp cơn binh cách nhiều nàn cũng thương. (Having encountered the calamities of war, [you] are also worthy of pity.)
Advanced Usage
- This word is obsolete in modern, everyday Vietnamese. It appears exclusively in classical poetic or literary texts, primarily from the 19th century and earlier. Its usage is fixed to specific historical contexts and phrases.
Variants and Related Words
- Nạn (noun): The standard modern form meaning "disaster," "accident," or "calamity."
- tai nạn giao thông (traffic accident)
- cứu nạn (to rescue from disaster)
Synonyms
- Calamity: An event causing great and often sudden damage or distress.
- Disaster: A sudden event bringing great damage, loss, or destruction.
- Misfortune: Bad luck; an unfortunate condition or event.
- Scourge: A person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering.
Note on Usage
- "Nàn" is an archaic term. Learners should be aware that the correct and only word used in contemporary Vietnamese for "disaster" or "misfortune" is "nạn." You will only encounter "nàn" when reading classical poetry or prose.