tê ngưu

Một con tê ngưu đang gặm cỏ trên đồng cỏ.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Rhinoceros: A large, thick-skinned herbivorous mammal of the family Rhinocerotidae, characterized by one or two upright horns on its snout. "Tê ngưu" is a Sino-Vietnamese term for this animal, equivalent to the more common modern Vietnamese word "tê giác."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tê ngưu là một loài động vật có nguy cơ tuyệt chủng. (The rhinoceros is an endangered species.)
  • Sừng của tê ngưu bị săn lùng trái phép. (The horn of the rhinoceros is hunted illegally.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "tê ngưu" is primarily found in classical, literary, or scientific contexts, as it is a direct borrowing from Chinese (犀牛). In everyday modern Vietnamese, "tê giác" is the standard and far more frequently used term.

Variants and Related Words

• Tê giác (n): The standard and contemporary Vietnamese word for rhinoceros.
  • Vườn quốc gia này bảo vệ nhiều cá thể tê giác. (This national park protects many rhinoceros individuals.)

Synonyms

• Rhinoceros: The direct English translation.
• Rhino: A common short form in English.

Related Idioms

• While there are no common idioms specifically using "tê ngưu," the animal is often referenced in contexts discussing conservation, poaching, and strength due to its formidable size and the value placed on its horn.