tiềm vọng
Definition
- Noun:
- Periscope: A long, tubular optical instrument containing lenses and mirrors, allowing an observer in a concealed or submerged position (such as inside a submarine) to see things that are otherwise out of the direct line of sight, typically above the water's surface.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Thuyền trưởng ra lệnh nâng tiềm vọng lên để quan sát. (The captain ordered the periscope to be raised for observation.)
- Thông qua tiềm vọng, họ có thể nhìn thấy một con tàu ở phía chân trời. (Through the periscope, they could see a ship on the horizon.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "tiềm vọng" is a technical and somewhat archaic term, primarily used in historical or specific naval/military contexts. In modern everyday language, the borrowed term "periscope" is more commonly used and understood.
Variants and Related Words
- Kính tiềm vọng (n): Periscope. This is a fuller, more descriptive form of the term, literally meaning "periscope lens" or "periscope glass."
- Kính tiềm vọng của tàu ngầm đã được thu lại. (The submarine's periscope was retracted.)
Synonyms
- Periscope: The direct English equivalent and most common modern term.
Notes on Usage
- "Tiềm vọng" is a compound Sino-Vietnamese word. "Tiềm" (潛) means "hidden, latent, submerged." "Vọng" (望) means "to look, to gaze, hope." Thus, the word literally describes an instrument for "looking while hidden/submerged."
- It is important to distinguish this word from "triển vọng" (prospect, outlook), which shares the character "vọng" but has a completely different meaning related to future potential.