vàng ngọc
Definition
Noun:
- Gold and jade: The literal meaning refers to the two precious materials, gold and jade, often symbolizing immense material value and beauty.
- Something precious and invaluable: The term is used metaphorically to describe something of the highest worth, purity, or beauty, such as a person's character, heart, or words.
Adjective (attributive):
- Golden and jade-like / Precious: Used to describe something possessing the qualities of gold and jade—precious, pure, and excellent.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- Của cải vàng ngọc không bằng tấm lòng nhân hậu. (Wealth of gold and jade is not equal to a kind heart.)
- Lời vàng ngọc của ông ấy tôi sẽ không bao giờ quên. (I will never forget his precious words.)
Adjective:
- Cô ấy có một tấm lòng vàng ngọc. (She has a heart of gold [a golden and jade-like heart].)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is almost exclusively used in a figurative, poetic sense to elevate the subject's value beyond material wealth. It is common in literature and proverbs.
Variants and Related Words
- Vàng (n): gold.
- Ngọc (n): jade, gem, precious stone.
- Vàng son (n): gold and vermilion; often used to describe a glorious, prosperous period or luxurious surroundings.
Synonyms
- Priceless: having a value beyond any price.
- Invaluable: extremely useful or precious.
- Treasure: a valuable person or thing.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Lời vàng ngọc: golden words; precious or invaluable advice.
- Hãy ghi nhớ những lời vàng ngọc của cha mẹ. (Remember the golden words of your parents.)
- Tấm lòng vàng ngọc: a heart of gold.
- Anh ấy giúp đỡ mọi người với tấm lòng vàng ngọc. (He helps everyone with a heart of gold.)