Definition

1. Noun (Literary, Archaic):
   • The crow and the magpie: A term referring specifically to two birds, the crow and the magpie, from East Asian mythology.
   • The Magpie Bridge: The core meaning is tied to the legend of the "Ô Thước kiều" (Magpie Bridge), a bridge formed by these birds across the Milky Way to allow two star-crossed lovers, represented by the stars Altair and Vega, to meet once a year.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Theo truyền thuyết, chim ô và chim thước tạo thành một cây cầu. (According to legend, the crow and the magpie form a bridge.)
  • Họ hẹn gặp nhau trên cầu ô thước. (They arranged to meet on the Magpie Bridge.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "ô thước" is almost exclusively used in a literary, poetic, or allusive context to evoke the famous legend. It symbolizes reunion, love overcoming separation, and a rare, precious meeting.
• "Cầu ô thước" (The Magpie Bridge) is the primary compound phrase. It is used metaphorically to mean a bridge for lovers or a means for a long-awaited reunion.
  • Ước mong được gặp lại nàng trên cầu ô thước. (I wish to meet her again on the Magpie Bridge.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cầu ô thước (n): The Magpie Bridge. The central concept derived from the term "ô thước".
• Ô (n, literary): Crow, raven.
• Thước (n, literary): Magpie.

Synonyms

• Magpie Bridge: The direct translation and most common English equivalent for the central concept.
• Lovers' bridge: A descriptive synonym highlighting its function in the myth.

Related Idioms and Cultural References

• Hội Ngưu Lang – Chức Nữ: The meeting of the Cowherd (Altair) and the Weaver Girl (Vega). This is the name of the celestial lovers in the myth for whom the Magpie Bridge is built.
• Mùng bảy tháng bảy: The 7th day of the 7th lunar month, celebrated as the day the lovers meet, often called the Qixi Festival or the Double Seventh Festival.

1. (văn chương, cũ)The crow and the magpie
   • Cầu ô thước
     Bridge built by the crow and the magpie (for lovers)