Definition

1. Noun:
   • Royal concubine: A woman who is a secondary wife or consort of a king or emperor, residing in the royal harem or palace. She holds a rank within the imperial hierarchy, below the empress and sometimes other principal wives.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong cung đình xưa, các phi tần thường sống trong hậu cung. (In the ancient court, royal concubines usually lived in the inner palace.)
  • Vị vua đó có rất nhiều phi tần. (That king had many royal concubines.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is historical and refers specifically to the feudal systems of Vietnam, China, and other East Asian monarchies. It is not used in a modern context.

Variants and Related Words

• Cung tần (n): A term with a very similar meaning, often used interchangeably with "phi tần" to refer to imperial concubines.
• Cung nhân (n): A broader term for women serving in the palace, which can include concubines but also maids and attendants.
• Hậu cung (n): The inner palace or harem where the concubines resided.

Synonyms

• Concubine: A woman who lives with a man but has lower status than a wife.
• Imperial consort: A formal term for a wife or concubine of an emperor.
• Odalisque: A female slave or concubine in a harem, especially in an Ottoman context.

Related Idioms

• : To live a luxurious but secluded life, akin to that of a royal concubine who is materially provided for but lacks freedom.
  • Cô ấy giàu có nhưng cô đơn, sống như phi tần trong biệt thự lớn. (She is wealthy but lonely, living like a royal concubine in a large villa.)

1. Royal concubines