vàng bạc
Definition
- Noun:
- Gold and silver: Refers specifically to the two precious metals, gold and silver, often mentioned together as a pair representing wealth and value.
- Precious metals / Wealth: Used as a collective term for valuable metals or, by extension, material riches and treasure.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Công ty đó kinh doanh vàng bạc. (That company trades in gold and silver.)
- Trong hòm chứa đầy vàng bạc. (The chest was full of gold, silver, and jewels [precious items].)
- Anh ta chỉ ham vàng bạc. (He is only fond of wealth/material riches.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe something very valuable or cherished, not literally made of gold or silver.
- Lời hứa của anh ấy quý hơn vàng bạc. (His promise is more precious than gold and silver.)
Variants and Related Words
Vàng (n): gold.
- dây chuyền vàng (gold necklace)
Bạc (n): silver.
- bát đũa bạc (silver bowl and chopsticks)
Châu báu (n): jewels, gems, treasure (a broader term often paired with or including vàng bạc).
Synonyms
- Precious metals: Valuable metallic elements.
- Treasure: A collection of valuable things.
- Riches: Abundant wealth.
Related Idioms
Vàng bạc đầy nhà: To have a house full of gold and silver; to be extremely wealthy.
- Dù có vàng bạc đầy nhà cũng không mua được hạnh phúc. (Even with a house full of gold and silver, you cannot buy happiness.)
Vàng thật không sợ lửa: True gold fears no fire; equivalent to "The truth will out."
- Anh cứ yên tâm, vàng thật không sợ lửa mà. (Don't worry, true gold fears no fire.)