thiềm thừ

Thiềm thừ ngồi trên một phiến đá trong vườn.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Toad: The primary meaning of "thiềm thừ" is an archaic or literary term for a toad.
   • Three-legged Toad (Symbolic): In East Asian and Vietnamese folklore and Feng Shui, "thiềm thừ" specifically refers to a mythical, three-legged toad, a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. It is often depicted with a coin in its mouth.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong văn học cổ, "thiềm thừ" thường được nhắc đến. (In ancient literature, the "toad" is often mentioned.)
  • Tượng thiềm thừ bằng ngọc thường được đặt trong nhà để chiêu tài lộc. (A jade statue of the "three-legged toad" is often placed in homes to attract wealth.)

Advanced Usage

• "Thiềm thừ ngậm tiền": The money-toad; the specific depiction of the three-legged toad with a coin, representing the arrival of wealth.
  • Ông ấy mua một bức tượng thiềm thừ ngậm tiền cho cửa hàng mới. (He bought a statue of the money-toad for his new shop.)

Variants and Related Words

• Con cóc (n): The common, modern Vietnamese word for "toad" or "frog".
  • Con cóc thường sống ở những nơi ẩm ướt. (Toads often live in damp places.)
• Thiềm (n, archaic): An old, poetic word for "toad", often used in literary contexts.

Synonyms

• Toad: A tailless amphibian with a short, stout body and short legs.
• Three-legged Toad / Money Toad: The mythical creature symbolizing wealth.

Cultural Note

• Thiềm Cung (Toad Palace): A poetic name for the moon in folklore, stemming from the legend of the toad on the moon.
  • Truyền thuyết kể về con thiềm thừ sống trên cung trăng. (Legend tells of a toad living in the moon palace.)