phù thần
Definition
- Noun:
- A protective deity or spirit: A supernatural being believed to offer protection, guidance, or good fortune to a person, family, or community.
- A protective talisman or charm: An object, often inscribed or blessed, that is carried or kept as a physical embodiment of divine protection.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Người lính mang theo phù thần bên mình. (The soldier carries a protective deity with him.)
- Cô ấy tin rằng phù thần gia đình luôn phù hộ. (She believes the family's protective spirit always provides blessings.)
- Tấm phù thần này được thầy phù thủy làm. (This protective talisman was made by the sorcerer.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept of a "phù thần" is deeply rooted in folk beliefs and animism, often representing a personalized guardian spirit distinct from major universal gods.
Variants and Related Words
- Bùa hộ mệnh (n): A synonym meaning "protective talisman" or "amulet," focusing more on the physical object.
- Anh ta đeo bùa hộ mệnh để tránh tà ma. (He wears an amulet to ward off evil spirits.)
Synonyms
- Guardian spirit: A spirit that protects a person or place.
- Protective deity: A god or goddess whose primary role is to offer protection.
- Talisman: An object believed to confer magical protection or good luck.
Related Idioms
- Được phù thần phù hộ: To be blessed or protected by a guardian spirit; used to describe someone experiencing inexplicable good luck or escape from danger.
- Hắn sống sót sau vụ tai nạn, như được phù thần phù hộ. (He survived the accident as if blessed by a guardian spirit.)