tĩnh d

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An altar for deities or spirits: A specific type of altar, often a table or platform, used for worshipping various deities, spirits, or mother goddesses (Mẫu) in Vietnamese folk religion and spiritual practices.
    • An opium smoking bed/table (archaic): A specialized piece of furniture used for smoking opium, historically common in the context of opium dens.
Usage Examples
  • Noun (altar):
    • Gia đình lập một tĩnh thờ Mẫu trong nhà. (The family set up an altar to worship the Mother Goddess in the house.)
  • Noun (opium bed):
    • Trong tiểu thuyết xưa, nhân vật nằm trên tĩnh để hút thuốc phiện. (In old novels, the character lay on the opium bed to smoke opium.)
Advanced Usage
  • The word "tĩnh" is considered specialized and archaic, especially in its second meaning. It is primarily encountered in historical, anthropological, or religious texts rather than in everyday modern conversation.
Variants and Related Words
  • Lập tĩnh (verb phrase): To set up or establish such an altar.
    • Việc lập tĩnh cần được thực hiện theo nghi lễ. (The act of setting up the altar must be performed according to ritual.)
Synonyms
  • Altar (for deities): A sacred table or structure for religious offerings.
  • Opium bed/couch: A piece of furniture designed for reclining and smoking opium (historical).
Notes on Meaning
  • The two meanings of "tĩnh" are semantically distinct and belong to different contexts (religious practice vs. historical narcotic use). The intended meaning is always derived from the surrounding context.
  • This word should not be confused with the common adjective "tĩnh" meaning "calm" or "static," which is a completely different word with a different Chinese-Vietnamese root.