năm mây
Definition
- Noun:
- Five-colored clouds: A term derived from the Sino-Vietnamese "Ngũ vân" (五雲), literally meaning "five clouds," referring to clouds of five colors. It is used poetically to describe auspicious, multicolored clouds, often depicted in imperial art and associated with heavenly signs.
- Imperial edict: By extension, "năm mây" refers specifically to an imperial edict or decree from the emperor, as such documents were traditionally inscribed on or associated with paper or silk adorned with patterns of five-colored clouds.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Trên trời xuất hiện làn năm mây. (Five-colored clouds appeared in the sky.)
- Nhà vua ban chiếu năm mây xuống cho dân chúng. (The emperor issued an imperial edict [a "năm mây" decree] to the people.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily found in classical, literary, or historical contexts, evoking the majesty and authority of the feudal imperial court.
Variants and Related Words
- Ngũ vân (n): The Sino-Vietnamese origin of "năm mây," with the same meaning.
- Chiếu chỉ (n): Imperial edict (a more general term).
- Thánh chỉ (n): Royal decree.
Synonyms
- Five-colored clouds: Auspicious clouds.
- Imperial decree: Royal proclamation, emperor's edict.
Related Idioms
- Chiếu năm mây: This phrase directly means "the edict of the five clouds," reinforcing the connection to imperial authority.
- Chiếu năm mây truyền khắp thiên hạ. (The imperial edict was disseminated throughout the land.)