Definition

1. Noun (Literary, Archaic):
   • A ruby cup or a cup made of ruby: A precious drinking vessel crafted from ruby, symbolizing extreme luxury, beauty, and rarity in classical Vietnamese poetry and literature.
   • A metaphor for something exquisite and precious: Often used figuratively to describe something of the highest quality, beauty, or value, akin to a jewel.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong thơ cổ, rượu thường được đựng trong quỳnh bôi. (In ancient poetry, wine was often contained in a ruby cup.)
  • Tình bạn của họ đẹp như quỳnh bôi. (Their friendship is as beautiful as a ruby cup.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is almost exclusively found in classical literary or poetic contexts. Its usage in modern Vietnamese is very rare and would be considered highly stylized or allusive.

Variants and Related Words

• Quỳnh tương (n): A fine, exquisite wine; often mentioned alongside "quỳnh bôi" in poetry.
  • Quỳnh bôi rót đầy quỳnh tương. (The ruby cup is filled with exquisite wine.)

Synonyms

• Precious chalice: A valuable ceremonial cup.
• Gemmed cup: A cup adorned with or made of gems.

Related Idioms

• Quỳnh bôi ngọc diệp: A classical idiom meaning "ruby cups and jade leaves," used to depict a scene of supreme luxury and refinement.
  • Cảnh tiệc với quỳnh bôi ngọc diệp thật xa hoa. (The banquet scene with ruby cups and jade leaves was truly lavish.)

1. (từ cũ) Ruby cup