phượng vĩ
Definition
- Noun:
- Flame tree / Royal poinciana: A tropical flowering tree (Delonix regia) known for its large, vibrant red or orange blossoms and wide-spreading canopy. It is commonly planted for shade and ornamental purposes.
- Flamboyant: A common English name for the tree, referring to its showy, brilliant flowers.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Những cây phượng vĩ nở đỏ rực cả góc trường. (The flame trees bloomed brilliantly red, lighting up the schoolyard.)
- Bóng mát của cây phượng vĩ rất rộng. (The shade of the royal poinciana tree is very wide.)
- Hoa phượng vĩ báo hiệu mùa hè đến. (The flamboyant flowers signal the arrival of summer.)
Advanced Usage
- The tree is deeply associated with the end of the school year and summer in Vietnam. Its Vietnamese name "phượng vĩ" literally means "phoenix tail," poetically describing the shape and color of its flower clusters.
- Mùa hoa phượng vĩ là mùa của những lời chia tay. (The season of flamboyant flowers is the season of goodbyes.)
Variants and Related Words
Phượng (n): A common shortened form of "phượng vĩ" used in everyday speech.
- Hoa phượng đã nở. (The poinciana flowers have bloomed.)
Cây phượng (n): The phoenix/flame tree.
- Chúng tôi ngồi dưới gốc cây phượng. (We sat under the flame tree.)
Synonyms
- Flame tree: A direct descriptive name.
- Royal poinciana: The formal botanical name.
- Flamboyant: Emphasizes the showy, bright appearance.
- Gulmohar: A common name for the tree used in some other Asian countries.
Related Idioms and Cultural References
Hoa học trò (Student flower): A poetic nickname for the phượng vĩ flower due to its strong association with schoolyards and student life.
- Phượng vĩ còn được gọi là hoa học trò. (The royal poinciana is also called the student flower.)
Mùa phượng vĩ / Mùa hoa phượng: Refers to the blooming season, synonymous with late spring and early summer.
- Mùa phượng vĩ lại về. (The flamboyant flower season has returned.)