Definition

1. Noun:

   • Phoenix: A mythical, sacred bird in East Asian culture, often symbolizing virtue, grace, and high status. It is frequently paired with the dragon (rồng) in art and literature.

2. Verb:

   • To obey; to serve respectfully: To carry out a command or duty with reverence and submission, often used in formal, hierarchical, or royal contexts.
   • To present respectfully: To offer something in a solemn, dutiful manner.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Trong tranh cổ, chim phụng thường đậu trên cây ngô đồng. (In ancient paintings, the phoenix often perches on the parasol tree.)
  • Lễ phục của hoàng hậu thêu hình rồng và phụng. (The empress's ceremonial robe is embroidered with dragons and phoenixes.)

• Verb:

  • Quan văn võ đều phụng mệnh nhà vua. (The civil and military officials all obey the king's command.)
  • Con cái phải phụng dưỡng cha mẹ. (Children must serve and care for their parents.)

Advanced Usage

• "phụng sự": to serve (a cause, country, or ideal).

  • Ông ấy nguyện phụng sự cho khoa học. (He vowed to serve science.)

• "phụng thờ": to worship; to venerate (ancestors, deities).

  • Gia đình phụng thờ tổ tiên. (The family worships their ancestors.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phượng (n): The more common modern term for "phoenix." Phụng is often considered a phonetic variant or a more literary form.

  • Chim phượng hoàng (n): The compound term for "phoenix."

• Phụng phịu (adj): To pout; to sulk (a colloquial derivation, showing a different meaning).

  • Đứa bé phụng phịu vì không được mua đồ chơi. (The child pouted because he wasn't bought a toy.)

Synonyms

• Phoenix: mythical bird.
• Obey: to comply with.
• Serve: to perform duties for.
• Venerate: to regard with great respect.

Related Idioms and Set Phrases

• Rồng bay phụng múa: Dragons fly, phoenixes dance — describes a scene of magnificent celebration or prosperity.

  • Lễ hội rồng bay phụng múa. (The festival was a scene of "dragons flying and phoenixes dancing.")

• Phụng mệnh trời: To obey the Mandate of Heaven.

  • Nhà vua phụng mệnh trời mà cai trị. (The king rules by obeying the Mandate of Heaven.)

• Phụng mặt (from reference): To make a face; to pout or sulk (regional/colloquial usage).

  • Cô ấy phụng mặt vì bị trách mắng. (She pouted because she was scolded.)

noun

1. phoenix

verb

1. to obey; to serve