Definition

1. Proper Noun:

   • The Great Bear: The common English name for the prominent constellation in the northern sky, also known as Ursa Major.
   • The Big Dipper: The common English name for the most recognizable asterism (a pattern of stars) within the constellation Ursa Major, which resembles a ladle or plough.

2. Noun (figurative):

   • A guiding principle or lodestar: Used metaphorically to refer to a reliable guide, a constant point of reference, or a primary source of direction in life or thought.

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun:

  • Trên bầu trời đêm, chúng tôi tìm thấy sao Bắc Đẩu. (In the night sky, we found the Big Dipper.)
  • Sao Bắc Đẩu là một phần của chòm sao Gấu Lớn. (The Big Dipper is part of the Ursa Major constellation.)

• Noun (figurative):

  • Lời dạy của ông ấy là sao Bắc Đẩu cho cuộc đời tôi. (His teachings are the guiding star for my life.)

Advanced Usage

• "sao Bắc Đẩu" as a cultural symbol: In many cultures, this asterism is used for navigation and features prominently in mythology and folklore.
  • Các thủy thủ thời xưa thường dựa vào sao Bắc Đẩu để định hướng. (Ancient sailors often relied on the North Star (found via the Big Dipper) for navigation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bắc Đẩu (n): A shorter, poetic form meaning the same constellation or asterism.
• Chòm sao Gấu Lớn (n): The direct translation for the constellation "Ursa Major" (The Great Bear).
• Sao Bắc Cực / Polaris (n): The North Star (Polaris), which is located at the end of the Little Dipper's handle and is found by following the pointer stars of the Big Dipper.

Synonyms

• The Big Dipper: (Common in American English)
• The Plough: (Common in British English)
• Ursa Major: (The official constellation name)
• The Great Bear: (The translation of the constellation's Latin name)
• Lodestar / Guiding star: (For the metaphorical meaning)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Làm sao Bắc Đẩu: To act as a guide or a constant, reliable reference point.
  • Người thầy ấy đã làm sao Bắc Đẩu cho nhiều thế hệ học trò. (That teacher has been a lodestar for many generations of students.)

1. The Great Bear