quốc bảo
Definition
- Noun:
- National treasure: A person, place, object, or cultural artifact of immense value and significance to a nation, often representing its history, identity, or highest artistic achievement.
- Precious object of the nation: A literal translation, referring to a physical item deemed invaluable and worthy of preservation by the state.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Áo dài được coi là một quốc bảo của Việt Nam. (The áo dài is considered a national treasure of Vietnam.)
- Bảo tàng đang trưng bày một quốc bảo từ triều Nguyễn. (The museum is displaying a national treasure from the Nguyen dynasty.)
- Nghệ sĩ đó là một quốc bảo của nền âm nhạc nước nhà. (That artist is a national treasure of the country's music scene.)
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to describe a revered, highly skilled, or beloved public figure, similar to the English usage of "national treasure" for esteemed artists or elders.
- It often carries a formal and solemn tone, implying something is to be protected and cherished by all citizens.
Variants and Related Words
- Bảo vật quốc gia (n): This is the more modern, official legal term for a nationally recognized "national treasure" or "national relic," often certified by law.
- Bức tranh này đã được công nhận là bảo vật quốc gia. (This painting has been recognized as a national treasure.)
Synonyms
- National treasure: The direct and most common equivalent.
- Cultural treasure: Emphasizes cultural, rather than general national, value.
- Priceless heritage: Highlights inherited value.
Related Idioms
- While "quốc bảo" itself is not typically part of a common idiom, it conceptually relates to the idea of something being "vô giá" (priceless) or "niềm tự hào dân tộc" (a source of national pride).