tấm gương
Definition
- Noun:
- A mirror: A flat piece of glass with a reflective coating on the back, used to see one's own reflection.
- An example / a model / a paragon: A person or thing that serves as a model to be imitated or a standard of excellence, often used in moral or behavioral contexts.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Mirror):
- Cô ấy nhìn vào tấm gương. (She looks into the mirror.)
- Tấm gương trong phòng tắm bị vỡ. (The mirror in the bathroom is broken.)
- Noun (Example/Model):
- Cô giáo là một tấm gương sáng cho học sinh. (The teacher is a shining example for the students.)
- Anh ấy được coi là tấm gương của lòng dũng cảm. (He is considered a paragon of courage.)
Advanced Usage
- The metaphorical use of "tấm gương" to mean "example" is very common in educational, moral, and social contexts. It implies a standard that others should look to and learn from.
Variants and Related Words
- Gương (n): Can also mean "mirror" or "example" on its own, though "tấm" specifies it as a flat piece or sheet.
- Gương soi (n): A mirror specifically for looking at oneself.
- Cô ấy cầm chiếc gương soi. (She holds a hand mirror.)
- Gương mẫu (adj/n): Exemplary, model.
- Cô ấy là một giáo viên gương mẫu. (She is an exemplary teacher.)
Synonyms
- Mirror: A reflective surface.
- Example: A person or thing that is a model.
- Model: A standard or example for imitation.
- Paragon: A model of excellence or perfection.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Tấm gương sáng: A shining/bright example (used exclusively in the metaphorical sense).
- Người lính đó là một tấm gương sáng về sự hy sinh. (That soldier is a shining example of sacrifice.)
- Tấm gương phản chiếu: A reflection (often used literally for a mirror's function, or metaphorically for something that reflects a situation).
- Đứa trẻ là tấm gương phản chiếu hành vi của cha mẹ. (A child is a reflection of the parents' behavior.)