Definition

1. Noun:
   • River: A natural, relatively large stream of water flowing continuously on the Earth's surface, typically capable of supporting boat navigation. It is a fundamental geographical feature and water source.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sông Hồng là một con sông lớn ở miền Bắc Việt Nam. (The Red River is a large river in Northern Vietnam.)
  • Chúng tôi thích đi dạo dọc theo bờ sông vào buổi chiều. (We like to walk along the riverbank in the afternoon.)
  • Nước sông thường đục hơn vào mùa mưa. (River water is often murkier during the rainy season.)

Advanced Usage

• "Sông có khúc, người có lúc": A proverb meaning "The river has its bends, people have their times," similar to "Every dog has its day" or "There is a time for everything." It suggests that life has its ups and downs, and circumstances change.

  • Đừng quá lo lắng, sông có khúc, người có lúc mà. (Don't worry too much; there's a time for everything.)

• "(Cảnh) gạo chợ nước sông": A phrase describing a scene or situation of self-reliance, where one buys rice from the market and fetches water from the river, implying a simple, independent life.

  • Cuộc sống gạo chợ nước sông tuy giản dị nhưng tự do. (A life of "market rice and river water" is simple but free.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sông ngòi (n): River system; rivers and canals.

  • Đồng bằng sông Cửu Long có hệ thống sông ngòi chằng chịt. (The Mekong Delta has a dense network of rivers and canals.)

• Sông suối (n): Rivers and streams; waterways in general.

• Dòng sông (n): The river (emphasizing the flow or course).
  • Dòng sông êm đềm chảy qua làng. (The gentle river flows through the village.)

Synonyms

• Dòng nước (n): Water stream (a more general term).
• Sông lớn / Đại giang (n): Major river, great river (more literary).

Related Phrases / Idioms

• Lên thác xuống ghềnh: Literally "to go up waterfalls and down rapids," meaning to face many hardships and dangers in life, akin to "to go through ups and downs."

  • Cuộc đời kinh doanh của ông ấy thật lên thác xuống ghềnh. (His business life has been full of ups and downs.)

• Nước chảy đá mòn: Literally "Flowing water wears away stone," meaning "Constant effort brings success" or "Perseverance prevails."

  • Hãy kiên nhẫn, nước chảy đá mòn mà. (Be patient; perseverance wears down resistance.)

noun

1. river