tràng hạt
Definition
- Noun:
- A rosary; a string of beads: A long string of beads, typically used in Buddhist or Catholic prayer, where each bead is counted or fingered in sequence while reciting prayers or mantras.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Bà tôi lần tràng hạt mỗi khi tụng kinh. (My grandmother fingers her rosary every time she prays.)
- Nhà sư cầm tràng hạt trên tay. (The monk holds a string of prayer beads in his hand.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is used primarily in religious contexts. While "rosary" is a specific Catholic term, in Vietnamese, "tràng hạt" can refer to both Buddhist prayer beads and the Catholic rosary, with the religious context usually making the distinction clear.
Variants and Related Words
Chuỗi hạt (n): A more general term for a string of beads, which can be for prayer or decoration.
- Cô ấy có một chuỗi hạt bằng pha lê. (She has a crystal bead necklace.)
Vòng hạt (n): Often refers to a shorter, closed loop of prayer beads worn on the wrist or neck.
- Anh ấy đeo một vòng hạt gỗ. (He wears a wooden bead bracelet.)
Synonyms
- Prayer beads: A general term for a string of beads used for counting prayers.
- Rosary: Specifically refers to the Catholic set of prayer beads and the prayers said with them.
Related Idioms
- Lần tràng hạt: To tell/pray one's beads; to finger the beads of a rosary while praying. This phrase describes the physical and meditative action.
- Cụ bà ngồi lần tràng hật một cách thành kính. (The old woman sat telling her beads reverently.)