tuổi hạc
Definition
- Noun:
- The age of a crane: A classical and literary Vietnamese term referring metaphorically to a long lifespan or advanced age, based on the ancient belief that cranes live for a thousand years.
- Old age / longevity: Used to respectfully denote someone's venerable old age or great longevity.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Cụ ông ấy đã đến tuổi hạc rồi. (That elderly gentleman has reached the age of the crane.)
- Chúc cụ sống lâu như tuổi hạc. (I wish you a long life, like the age of the crane.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in formal, literary, or respectful contexts, often in poetry, classical literature, or when offering blessings to elders. It is an elegant and indirect way to refer to old age.
Variants and Related Words
Tuổi thọ (n): lifespan, longevity.
- Tuổi thọ trung bình ngày càng tăng. (The average lifespan is increasing.)
Tuổi già (n): old age.
- Ông ấy đang tận hưởng tuổi già. (He is enjoying his old age.)
Synonyms
- Longevity: long life.
- Old age: the later period of life.
- Venerable age: respected old age.
Related Idioms
Sống lâu trăm tuổi: to live to a hundred years old (a common blessing).
- Chúng cháu kính chúc ông bà sống lâu trăm tuổi. (We respectfully wish you grandparents a long life of a hundred years.)
Thọ như Nam Sơn: as long-lived as the Southern Mountain (a wish for eternal life).
- Chúc ông thọ như Nam Sơn. (I wish you longevity like the Southern Mountain.)