Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of ornamental plant: "quỳnh" refers to a species of night-blooming cactus, typically with large, solitary, white flowers. The scientific name is often Epiphyllum oxypetalum or related species within the Phyllocactus (a former genus name) group. It is highly valued for its beautiful, fragrant, and ephemeral blossoms.
   • Ruby (archaic/poetic meaning): In older, classical Vietnamese literature and poetry, "quỳnh" can metaphorically refer to a ruby, a precious red gemstone. This usage is now rare and primarily found in fixed, elegant phrases.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Plant):
  • Hoa quỳnh thường nở về đêm và tỏa hương thơm ngát. (The night-blooming cereus usually blooms at night and emits a rich fragrance.)
  • Bà tôi rất thích chăm sóc chậu quỳnh trong vườn. (My grandmother loves taking care of the epiphyllum pot in the garden.)
• Noun (Ruby - archaic):
  • Trong thơ cổ, "chén quỳnh" tượng trưng cho vật quý giá. (In classical poetry, "the ruby cup" symbolizes a precious object.)

Advanced Usage

• "Chén quỳnh" / "Tửu quỳnh": These are classical, literary phrases meaning "a cup/jade cup of fine wine" or "ruby cup," evoking images of exquisite, precious drinking vessels used in elegant banquets or poetic imagery. They symbolize luxury and refinement.
  • Tiệc rượu với chén quỳnh đầy ắp. (A banquet with ruby cups filled to the brim.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hoa quỳnh: The most common compound, specifically meaning "quỳnh flower."
• Cây quỳnh: Specifically meaning "quỳnh plant."
• Quỳnh bá / Quỳnh hoa: Poetic synonyms for the quỳnh flower, emphasizing its beauty.
• Phyllocactus: An older botanical genus name, sometimes used in scientific or reference contexts.
• Epiphyllum: The modern botanical genus name for many species including the "Dutchman's pipe cactus" or "orchid cactus," closely related to what is commonly called "quỳnh" in Vietnamese.

Synonyms

• Epiphyllum (Scientific/Botanical context): A genus of cacti.
• Night-blooming cereus (General English): A common name for several cacti that bloom at night, including the quỳnh.
• Ruby (Archaic/Poetic meaning): Only in the context of translating classical metaphors.

Related Phrases

• "Quỳnh tương": An extremely rare and archaic term, potentially referring to fine wine or nectar, continuing the gemstone/precious liquid metaphor.
• "Một đời hoa quỳnh": A poetic phrase meaning "a life as brief as a quỳnh flower bloom," highlighting the flower's short-lived beauty, often used metaphorically for something beautiful but fleeting.

Related Idioms

• "Hẹn giờ hoa quỳnh nở": Literally "to schedule for the quỳnh flower's bloom," meaning to arrange for something very difficult or unpredictable, as the exact moment the flower opens is hard to pinpoint. It implies a promise or meeting set for an uncertain time.
  • Lời hứa đó như hẹn giờ hoa quỳnh nở. (That promise is like scheduling for the night-blooming cereus to flower.)

noun

1. ruby phyllocactus