tuyệt cú
Definition
Noun:
- A quatrain: A specific, classical form of Vietnamese or Chinese poem consisting of exactly four lines, each typically containing five or seven characters/syllables.
- An exceptionally brilliant line/phrase: A line of poetry or a phrase that is considered supremely excellent, perfect, or extraordinarily well-crafted.
Adjective (attributive):
- Used to describe a line/phrase as supremely excellent: Describing a verse, sentence, or turn of phrase as being of the highest quality, unsurpassable in its artistry or impact.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Quatrain):
- Nhà thơ đã sáng tác một bài tuyệt cú thất ngôn tứ tuyệt. (The poet composed a seven-character quatrain.)
- Noun (Brilliant line):
- Câu thơ cuối bài là một tuyệt cú, khiến người đọc nhớ mãi. (The last line of the poem is a masterful verse, making readers remember it forever.)
- Adjective:
- Đó quả là một câu văn tuyệt cú. (That is truly an exquisitely brilliant sentence.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in literary criticism and discussion of classical poetry (Đường luật, Thơ cổ). It carries a formal and academic tone.
- It can be used metaphorically in modern contexts to praise any exceptionally well-written or impactful phrase, though this is less common.
Variants and Related Words
- Tứ tuyệt: A direct synonym meaning "quatrain," often used in compound forms like (five-character quatrain) or (seven-character quatrain).
- Cú: An archaic/literary word for a line of poetry or a phrase.
Synonyms
- For "quatrain": .
- For "brilliant line": (masterful verse, excellent sentence).
Related Idioms
- Tuyệt cú giai cú: An idiom meaning "excellent verses and beautiful lines," used to describe a literary work full of outstanding phrases.