Definition

1. Noun:
   • A torch: A traditional torch made by bundling bamboo, wood, or other materials, soaked in resin or other flammable substances, and ignited to produce light. Historically used for illumination, especially in ceremonies, festivals, or in the absence of electricity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Người dân làng cầm đuốc đi tìm con trâu bị lạc trong đêm. (The villagers used torches to search for the lost buffalo in the night.)
  • Trong lễ hội, họ rước đuốc quanh sân đình. (During the festival, they carried torches around the communal house yard.)
  • Ánh sáng từ ngọn đuốc chiếu xuyên qua màn đêm. (The light from the torch pierced through the night.)

Advanced Usage

• "Đuốc sống": A metaphorical phrase meaning "living torch," often used to describe a person who is a guiding light, a source of inspiration, or a martyr for a cause.

  • Anh ấy là ngọn đuốc sống dẫn đường cho thế hệ trẻ. (He is a living torch guiding the young generation.)

• "Rước đuốc": To carry or parade a torch, commonly associated with rituals, opening ceremonies (like the Olympic torch relay), or traditional festivals.

  • Lễ rước đuốc là một phần quan trọng của lễ hội truyền thống. (The torch procession is an important part of the traditional festival.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đuốc hoa (n): A type of festive torch or a metaphorical term for a beautiful, radiant woman in classical poetry.

  • Trong thơ cổ, "đuốc hoa" thường ví với người phụ nữ lộng lẫy. (In classical poetry, "đuốc hoa" often compares to a splendid woman.)

• Ngọn đuốc (n phrase): The torch (emphasizing the flame or the object itself). This is a common collocation.

  • Ngọn đuốc vẫn cháy sáng giữa gió. (The torch still burned brightly in the wind.)

Synonyms

• Đèn lồng (n): Lantern. (A different source of light, usually enclosed.)
• Bó đuốc (n phrase): Torch bundle. (Specifically emphasizes the bundled form.)
• Ngọn lửa (n phrase): Flame. (Refers to the fire itself, not the object carrying it.)

Related Idioms and Proverbs

• "Trong đom đóm, ngoài bó đuốc": Literally "Inside [there's only] a firefly, outside [they claim] a torch bundle." An idiom criticizing someone who boasts or exaggerates their capabilities or possessions, making something small seem grand.

  • Anh ta khoe khoang quá, đúng là "trong đom đóm, ngoài bó đuốc". (He brags too much; it's a classic case of exaggerating a firefly as a torch.)

• "Trăm bó đuốc cũng vớ được con ếch": Literally "Even a hundred torches can help catch a frog." A proverb suggesting that with enough effort or resources (even if seemingly excessive), one can achieve a small goal. It can imply inefficiency or using great means for a small end.

  • Dự án này tốn kém quá, "trăm bó đuốc cũng vớ được con ếch". (This project is too costly; it's like using a hundred torches to catch a frog.)

noun

1. the torch