Definition

1. Noun:
   • A masterpiece; a consummate work of art or literature: Refers to a piece of writing, painting, or other artistic creation that is considered exceptionally beautiful, perfect, and represents the peak of the creator's skill.
   • A final work; a swan song: Specifically denotes the last piece of writing or artwork created by someone, often written or completed just before their death, imbued with final thoughts or sentiments.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • "Bình Ngô đại cáo" được nhiều học giả coi là một tuyệt bút của Nguyễn Trãi. ("Bình Ngô đại cáo" is considered by many scholars to be a masterpiece by Nguyễn Trãi.)
  • Bức thư đó được xem như tuyệt bút của ông, viết vài ngày trước khi ông qua đời. (That letter is regarded as his final work / swan song, written just days before his passing.)

Advanced Usage

• The term carries a strong connotation of unsurpassed quality and often a sense of poignant finality. It is used with great respect and admiration for the work and its creator.

Variants and Related Words

• Kiệt tác (n): Masterpiece. This is a more general synonym for the first meaning, often used for works of supreme skill without the implied context of being a final work.
• Tác phẩm cuối cùng (n): Final work. A neutral phrase describing the last creation without the elevated, literary nuance of .

Synonyms

• Masterpiece
• Magnum opus
• Swan song
• Final work

Related Idioms

• Tuyệt tác: While very similar and sometimes used interchangeably, generally emphasizes being a "masterpiece" or "perfect work" more strongly than it implies "final work." more explicitly carries the dual meaning of supreme quality and finality.