thẻ ngà
Definition
- Noun:
- Ivory tablet: A small, rectangular plaque made of ivory, historically used in Vietnam to denote the rank and office of a mandarin or court official. It was worn on the chest as part of the formal court attire.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Các quan đại thần triều Nguyễn đeo thẻ ngà trước ngực. (The high-ranking mandarins of the Nguyen dynasty wore ivory tablets on their chests.)
- Thẻ ngà là một phần quan trọng của phẩm phục cung đình. (The ivory tablet was an important part of the court ceremonial costume.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily used in historical or academic contexts to describe artifacts and practices of pre-modern Vietnamese dynastic courts, specifically during the Nguyen dynasty and earlier.
Variants and Related Words
- Bài ngà: (n) A synonymous term for an ivory identification plaque.
- Bài ngà khắc tên và chức vụ của vị quan. (The ivory plaque was engraved with the official's name and title.)
Synonyms
- Ivory plaque: A flat piece of ivory, often inscribed.
- Mandarin's badge: A badge indicating a mandarin's rank.
- Court tablet: A tablet worn at court.
Notes on Usage
- 'Thẻ ngà' is an archaic term. In modern contexts, it is only encountered when discussing history, museum artifacts, or traditional costume. It is not used for contemporary identification cards or objects.
- The material ("ngà" - ivory) signifies the high status and importance of the official who wore it.