tuỳ bút
Definition
- Noun:
- A literary sketch or personal essay: A short, reflective piece of prose that expresses the author's personal observations, feelings, and thoughts on a subject, often in a casual, intimate, and lyrical style. It blends elements of autobiography, reflection, and description.
- A genre of creative nonfiction: A recognized literary form, distinct from formal essays or reportage, characterized by its subjective perspective and artistic expression.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Nhà văn nổi tiếng với những tác phẩm tuỳ bút về miền quê. (The writer is famous for his literary sketches about the countryside.)
- Tôi thích đọc tuỳ bút vì nó cho thấy cảm xúc thật của tác giả. (I enjoy reading personal essays because they show the author's genuine emotions.)
- Tập sách là một tuyển tập tuỳ bút hay nhất của bà. (The book is a collection of her best essays.)
Advanced Usage
- The term can sometimes imply a piece written with a sense of spontaneity and freedom, following the writer's whims ("tuỳ" meaning "according to" and "bút" meaning "pen").
- In academic or literary criticism, "tuỳ bút" is analyzed as a genre that captures fleeting impressions and profound personal insights.
Variants and Related Words
- Bút ký (n): A memoir or reportage; often more factual or narrative-driven than a , but the terms can sometimes overlap.
- Tản văn (n): A short, informal essay; similar to but can be even more brief and fragmented.
Synonyms
- Literary sketch: A short, evocative prose piece.
- Personal essay: A subjective, reflective nonfiction work.
- Informal essay: A prose composition on a subject, treated in a personal, conversational style.
Related Idioms
- While there are no direct idioms using "tuỳ bút", the concept is related to the phrase:
- "The pen follows the heart": This captures the essence of tuỳ bút writing, where the prose flows from personal feeling and observation.