Definition

Noun: 1. A place of worship for certain religions, specifically a Christian church or an Islamic mosque: The word "thánh đường" refers to a building dedicated to religious worship and ceremonies. It is most commonly used for Christian churches (Catholic, Protestant) but can also refer to mosques in Islam. It emphasizes the sanctity and formal nature of the structure. 2. (Less common, historical) A grand or cathedral church: In some contexts, it can imply a large, important, or cathedral church.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Mỗi Chủ nhật, gia đình tôi đều đến thánh đường để dự lễ. (Every Sunday, my family goes to the church to attend mass.)
  • Ngôi thánh đường Hồi giáo này có kiến trúc rất đẹp. (This Islamic mosque has very beautiful architecture.)
  • Buổi hòa nhạc được tổ chức tại một thánh đường cổ ở trung tâm thành phố. (The concert was held in an old cathedral in the city center.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "thánh đường" carries a formal and respectful tone. In everyday conversation for a local Christian church, "nhà thờ" is more common. "Thánh đường" might be used in written language, news reports, or to emphasize the building's significance and sanctity.
• It can be part of proper names for specific churches or cathedrals, e.g., "Thánh đường Đức Bà" (Notre Dame Cathedral).

Variants and Related Words

• Nhà thờ (n): Church. This is the more general and frequently used term for a Christian church.
• Giáo đường (n): This term is often used specifically for Protestant churches or places of worship for religions like Judaism (synagogue).
• Chùa (n): Buddhist temple or pagoda.
• Đền (n): Temple (often for folk religions, Taoism, or Confucianism).
• Miếu (n): Small temple or shrine.

Synonyms

• Điện thờ: Place of worship, sanctuary (a more general literary term).
• Thánh điện: Holy temple/sanctuary (emphasizing holiness, often used in literature or for grand structures).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Tiếng chuông thánh đường: The sound of church bells.
  • Tiếng chuông thánh đường vang lên lúc 12 giờ trưa. (The church bells ring at 12 noon.)

noun

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