thuật số

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Divination / Numerology: An ancient method of fortune-telling or predicting good/bad luck, based on the principles of the Eight Trigrams (Bát Quái) and the Five Elements (Ngũ Hành), often considered superstitious.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông cụ nghiên cứu thuật số để xem hướng nhà. (The old man studies divination to determine the house's orientation.)
  • Một số người tin vào thuật số để đoán vận mệnh. (Some people believe in numerology to predict fate.)

Advanced Usage

• In modern contexts, "thuật số" is sometimes used more broadly to refer to esoteric calculation systems or metaphysical arts, though "phong thủy" (feng shui) or "bói toán" (fortune-telling) are more common contemporary terms for related practices.

Variants and Related Words

• Bói toán (n): Fortune-telling, divination (a general term).
  • Cô ấy không tin vào bói toán. (She does not believe in fortune-telling.)
• Chiêm tinh (n): Astrology.
  • Chiêm tinh học dựa trên vị trí các vì sao. (Astrology is based on the positions of the stars.)

Synonyms

• Divination
• Numerology (in a specific, traditional sense)
• Fortune-telling (as a general concept)

Related Concepts

• Bát Quái: The Eight Trigrams, a fundamental concept in I Ching and traditional cosmology.
• Ngũ Hành: The Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), a core theory in many East Asian philosophies and practices.