Đào Tiềm

Đào Tiềm

Đào Tiềm ngồi dưới cửa sổ thưởng thức khóm cúc vàng.

Definition
  1. Proper noun:
    • Tao Qian (also known as Tao Yuanming): A renowned Chinese poet and official of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (365–427 CE). He is celebrated for his poetry of reclusion, which idealizes a simple, rustic life away from the corruptions of officialdom. His most famous work is the "Returning to My Home in the Country" prose-poem.
Usage Examples
  • Proper noun:
    • Thơ của Đào Tiềm ca ngợi cuộc sống điền viên. (The poetry of Tao Qian praises rural life.)
    • Đào Tiềm từ quan vì không muốn cúi đầu trước quyền lực. (Tao Qian resigned from his official post because he did not want to bow to authority.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Tinh thần Đào Tiềm": This phrase refers to the spirit or philosophy of Tao Qian, symbolizing integrity, a love for nature, and a conscious rejection of worldly fame and wealth for a life of personal freedom and simplicity.
    • Anh ấy sống một cuộc đời giản dị với tinh thần Đào Tiềm. (He lives a simple life in the spirit of Tao Qian.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Tao Yuanming: The more common courtesy name (字 - ) of Đào Tiềm, under which his poetry is often known in the West.
  • Uyên Minh: Another of his courtesy names.
  • Ngũ Liễu Tiên Sinh (Mr. Five Willows): A pseudonym Tao Qian used in an autobiographical essay to represent himself.
Synonyms
  • Hermit-poet: A poet who withdraws from society to live a secluded life, often in nature.
  • Recluse: A person who lives in voluntary seclusion from the public world.
Related Idioms and Cultural References

  • "Vì năm đấu gạo mà phải cúi đầu": Literally "to bow for five pecks of rice." This idiom originates from Tao Qian's story of resigning his magistracy, refusing to bow to a superior inspector for the sake of his official salary (roughly five pecks of grain). It symbolizes sacrificing one's principles for a meager material gain.

    • Tôi sẽ không vì năm đấu gạo mà phải cúi đầu trước hắn. (I will not bow to him for five pecks of rice.)

  • "Hoa cúc Đào Tiềm": The chrysanthemums of Tao Qian. Chrysanthemums are deeply associated with him due to his love for the flower, symbolizing resilience, nobility, and pastoral elegance in his poetry.

    • Vườn nhà ông trồng đầy hoa cúc Đào Tiềm. (His garden is full of Tao Qian's chrysanthemums.)