xoan

Cô ấy đang ở tuổi xoan.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • Margosa tree / Neem tree: A tropical tree (Azadirachta indica) known for its medicinal properties and bitter leaves.
   • Persian lilac / Chinaberry tree: A deciduous tree (Melia azedarach) often planted for shade and ornamentation, bearing lilac-like flowers and yellow berries.

2. Adjective (literary):

   • Youthful and slender: Describes a young woman in the prime of her youth, often implying a graceful, slender, and attractive figure.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Gỗ xoan rất bền. (Margosa wood is very durable.)
  • Hoa xoan nở tím cả một góc trời. (The Persian lilac flowers bloomed, painting a corner of the sky purple.)

• Adjective:

  • Cô ấy tuổi đang xoan. (She is in the fresh bloom of her youth.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "xoan" as an adjective is primarily used in classical and literary Vietnamese, particularly in poetry, to evoke imagery of youthful beauty.

Variants and Related Words

• Xoan đào: (n) Indian lilac, a specific variety.
• Xoan ta: (n) A common name for the native neem/margosa tree.
• Cây xoan: (n) The general term for the tree.

Synonyms

• Tree: Neem, Margosa, Persian lilac, Chinaberry.
• Adjective: Youthful, nubile, slender, graceful.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Tuổi đang xoan / Tuổi trăng xoan: A set literary phrase meaning "the age of blooming youth."
  • Mối tình đầu ở tuổi trăng xoan. (A first love at the age of blooming youth.)