Definition

1. Noun:
   • Stamp: A small, usually rectangular piece of paper with a printed design and monetary value, issued by a postal authority. It is affixed to mail as proof of payment for postage.
   • Fiscal Stamp / Revenue Stamp: A small, stamp-like piece of paper issued by a government to be affixed to official documents or goods, certifying that a tax or fee has been paid.
   • Label / Quality Seal: A small sticker or tag affixed to a product to certify its quality, authenticity, or brand. (Colloquially, an unused item may be described as still having its original label/seal.)
   • Ration Coupon / Ticket: A small, stamp-like piece of paper issued by the government, having a designated value for purchasing rationed or controlled goods.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tôi cần mua tem để gửi bưu thiếp. (I need to buy a stamp to send the postcard.)
  • Giấy phép lái xe mới cần dán tem thuế. (The new driver's license needs a revenue stamp affixed.)
  • Chiếc điện thoại này vẫn còn nguyên tem. (This phone is still brand new / still has its original seal.)
  • Thời bao cấp, mua gạo phải có tem lương thực. (During the subsidy period, buying rice required ration coupons.)

Advanced Usage

• "chơi tem": The hobby of collecting and studying postage stamps (philately).

  • Ông ấy có sở thích chơi tem. (He has a hobby of stamp collecting.)

• "người chơi tem": A stamp collector (philatelist).

  • Các người chơi tem thường trao đổi với nhau. (Stamp collectors often trade with each other.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tem thư (n): Postage stamp (specifically for mail).

  • Tem thư này in hình danh lam thắng cảnh. (This postage stamp features a picture of a scenic landmark.)

• Tem bưu điện (n): Post office stamp (synonymous with postage stamp).

• Tem thuế (n): Tax stamp, revenue stamp.

Synonyms

• Stamp: For postage and fiscal purposes.
• Label: For product tags or seals.
• Coupon / Ticket: For rationing or specific entitlements.
• Seal: For authentication.

Related Idioms and Expressions

• Còn nguyên tem: Literally "still has the original seal." Figuratively means an item is brand new, completely unused, or in pristine original condition.

  • Chiếc xe máy cũ nhưng còn nguyên tem. (The motorbike is old but is in pristine, original condition.)

• Hàng chưa bóc tem: Colloquial expression for goods that are new, unused, and often still in their original packaging.

  • Tôi bán laptop cũ, nhưng pin thì chưa bóc tem. (I'm selling a used laptop, but the battery is brand new/unused.)

noun

1. stamp