thanh mai
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of green apricot: A specific variety of apricot (Prunus mume) with fruit that is green in color, about the size of a plum, and has a sour taste. It is often used in culinary and medicinal contexts in East and Southeast Asia.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Mẹ tôi ngâm một hũ rượu thanh mai. (My mother is steeping a jar of green apricot wine.)
- Quả thanh mai có vị rất chua. (The green apricot fruit tastes very sour.)
- Mứt thanh mai là một đặc sản của vùng này. (Green apricot jam is a specialty of this region.)
Advanced Usage
- Cultural & Symbolic Use: The (green apricot) is often associated with youth, purity, and early promise in Vietnamese and East Asian poetry and literature, due to its green (thanh) color and early blooming.
- Hình ảnh thanh mai trúc mã thường chỉ mối tình thời trẻ. (The imagery of "green plums and bamboo horses" often refers to childhood sweethearts.)
Variants and Related Words
- Mơ (n): A more general term for apricot or Japanese plum (Prunus mume), which can be yellow or green.
- Mơ muối (n): Salted or pickled apricots.
- Rượu mơ (n): Apricot wine, which can be made from various apricots, including .
Synonyms
- Green apricot
- Green Japanese plum (Note: While often called a plum, is more closely related to the apricot.)
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Thanh mai trúc mã (idiom): Literally "green plums and bamboo horses." This classical idiom, originating from Chinese poetry, describes the innocent affection between a boy and a girl who grew up together, implying childhood sweethearts.
- Họ là bạn thanh mai trúc mã từ thuở nhỏ. (They have been childhood sweethearts since they were little.)