Definition

Noun: - Royal garden: A garden belonging to and used by a king, emperor, or royal family, often located within a palace or royal residence complex. This term is historical and literary.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Các phi tần thường dạo bộ trong thượng uyển. (The royal consorts often strolled in the royal garden.)
  • Thượng uyển của triều Nguyễn nổi tiếng với nhiều loài hoa quý. (The Nguyen dynasty's royal garden was famous for many precious flower species.)
  • Nhà vua cho xây dựng một thượng uyển mới ở phía bắc hoàng thành. (The king commissioned the construction of a new royal garden north of the imperial citadel.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in historical, literary, or formal contexts to refer to gardens of past Vietnamese monarchies, such as those of the Ly, Tran, or Nguyen dynasties. It is not used for modern public parks or private gardens.
• It often evokes imagery of beauty, tranquility, and exclusivity, accessible only to the royalty and their court.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngự uyển: A synonym also meaning "royal garden" or "imperial garden." The character "ngự" (御) directly relates to the emperor.
• Vườn thượng uyển: A slightly more descriptive form using "vườn" (garden) as a head noun.
• Vườn ngự: Another historical term for gardens within the royal palace grounds.

Synonyms

• Vườn hoàng gia: (Royal garden) – A more modern or descriptive term.
• Khu vườn của vua: (The king's garden) – A literal, descriptive phrase.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is archaic and carries a strong historical connotation. In contemporary Vietnamese, it is almost exclusively encountered in historical documents, literature, poetry, or when discussing historical sites like the Hue Imperial City.
• It specifically denotes a garden for royal leisure and enjoyment, distinct from functional areas like royal farms or hunting grounds.

noun

1. royal garden