thiểu thư
Definition
- Noun:
- A young lady of noble birth: In feudal times, this term referred to the daughter of a high-ranking mandarin or official.
- A refined, elegant young woman: A poetic or formal term for a graceful and well-bred young lady, often implying sophistication and delicate beauty.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Vị quan lớn có một cô thiểu thư rất xinh đẹp và tài hoa. (The high-ranking mandarin had a very beautiful and talented young lady for a daughter.)
- Dáng vẻ của cô ấy thật là một thiểu thư đài các. (Her demeanor is truly that of an elegant and refined young lady.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "thiểu thư" is now considered archaic and literary. It is primarily used in historical contexts, classical literature, or in poetic language to evoke a sense of old-world grace and nobility.
Variants and Related Words
- Tiểu thư (n): This is the more common and standard modern spelling and form of the same term, with identical meanings.
- Cô tiểu thư nhà họ Lý nổi tiếng hiền lành. (The young lady of the Ly family is famously gentle.)
Synonyms
- Young noblewoman: A young woman belonging to the aristocracy.
- Damsel: A young woman, often of noble birth (archaic/literary).
- Deb: A debutante; a young woman making a formal debut into society (modern, partial equivalent in concept).
Related Idioms
- Thiểu thư khuê các: An idiom describing a young lady from a wealthy, noble family who is sheltered and lives in the women's quarters.
- Câu chuyện kể về cuộc đời một thiểu thư khuê các. (The story tells of the life of a sheltered young lady from a noble family.)