Definition

1. Noun:
   • Idiom: A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from the meanings of the individual words. It is a fixed expression whose figurative meaning is different from its literal interpretation.
   • Expression / Phrase: A common, often metaphorical, saying that is a characteristic element of a language and its culture.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • "Chân ướt chân ráo" là một thành ngữ tiếng Việt. ("Chân ướt chân ráo" is a Vietnamese idiom.)
  • Cô ấy thích học các thành ngữ tiếng Anh. (She likes learning English idioms.)
  • Giải thích thành ngữ "nước đổ đầu vịt" cho tôi. (Explain the idiom "nước đổ đầu vịt" to me.)

Advanced Usage

• Proverb vs. Idiom: While a (idiom) is a fixed figurative phrase, a (proverb) is a complete, self-contained sentence expressing traditional wisdom or a truth.
  • "Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây" là tục ngữ, không phải thành ngữ. ("Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây" is a proverb, not an idiom.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tục ngữ (n): Proverb; a short, traditional saying that expresses a perceived truth or piece of advice.
• Quán ngữ (n): Collocation; a habitual combination of words that sounds natural to a native speaker.
• Ca dao (n): Folk poetry; often includes proverbial and idiomatic language.

Synonyms

• Idiom: A group of words with a figurative meaning.
• Saying: A short, well-known expression.
• Expression: A word or phrase, especially an idiomatic one.
• Locution: A word or phrase, especially with regard to style or idiom.

Related Concepts

• Figurative Language: Language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. Thành ngữ is a key component of figurative language.
• Cultural Reference: Thành ngữ often contains cultural references and historical allusions unique to the Vietnamese language and worldview.

noun

1. idiom; expression, phrase