Definition

Noun: A statue; a three-dimensional artistic representation of a figure, typically carved, cast, or modeled from materials like stone, metal, or wood. It often depicts a person, deity, or animal.

Usage

• "pho tượng" is used to refer to a complete, standalone statue.
• It is a common and formal term in Vietnamese for statues of historical figures, religious icons (like Buddha), or artistic works.

Usage Examples

• (There is a statue of a national hero in the park.)
• (The monk is restoring an ancient wooden Buddha statue.)
• (She stands motionless like a statue.)

Advanced Usage / Nuances

• The phrase "đứng như pho tượng" (to stand like a statue) is a common simile to describe someone standing completely still and unmoving.
• "pho tượng" often implies a certain grandeur, solidity, or formal artistic value, more so than the simpler word "tượng".

Variants and Related Words

• Tượng (n): A more general term for statue or sculpture. It can be used interchangeably with "pho tượng" in many contexts but is less formal. It can also refer to a bust or a smaller figurine.
• Bức tượng (n): Another common way to say "a statue," using the classifier "bức". It is very similar in meaning and usage to "pho tượng".
• Tượng đài (n): Monument; a large statue or structure built to commemorate a person or event.

Synonyms

• Hình tượng (n): Image, figure, representation (can be broader, not necessarily three-dimensional).
• Tác phẩm điêu khắc (n): Sculpture (the general artistic work).

Related Idioms / Set Phrases

• Cứng như pho tượng: (As stiff as a statue) – Used to describe a person or body part that is very rigid or inflexible.
• Im như pho tượng: (Silent as a statue) – Used to describe someone who remains completely silent and still.

noun

1. statude
   • cô ta đứng yên như pho tượng
     She stands like a statue