yểu tướng
Definition
- Noun:
- A physiognomy or appearance that suggests a short life or an early death. This term refers to specific facial features or overall bearing that, according to traditional East Asian physiognomy (tướng số), are believed to indicate a person will die young.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ông thầy tướng nói người đó có yểu tướng. (The physiognomist said that person has the appearance of one destined to die young.)
- Trong tiểu thuyết, nhân vật phụ nữ ấy thường được miêu tả có yểu tướng, ốm yếu và đau khổ. (In the novel, that female character is often described as having a frail, short-lived appearance, being sickly and sorrowful.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept of "yểu tướng" is deeply rooted in traditional physiognomy and fortune-telling. It is not a medical diagnosis but a cultural and superstitious belief.
- It is often associated with features considered overly delicate, frail, or lacking vitality, such as an excessively thin neck, very pale complexion, or eyes that seem to lack spirit ().
Variants and Related Words
- Đoản thọ (adj): short-lived, having a short lifespan.
- Số phận đoản thọ. (A short-lived fate.)
- Tướng số (n): physiognomy, fortune-telling based on facial features.
- Xem tướng số. (To have one's fortune told via physiognomy.)
Synonyms
- Short-lived appearance
- Ill-fated physiognomy (in the context of fortune-telling)
Related Concepts
- Bạc mệnh: ill-fated, often used for someone, especially a woman, believed to have a tragic or unfortunate destiny, which may include dying young.
- Người ta nói cô ấy số bạc mệnh. (People say she has an ill-fated life.)