đèn cầy

Người bán hàng thắp một cây đèn cầy trên quầy.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Candle: A cylinder or block of wax or tallow with a central wick that is lit to provide light as it burns. The term "đèn cầy" is a common and direct synonym for "candle" in Vietnamese, with "cầy" being a phonetic adaptation from the French word "bougie" (candle).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nhà hết điện, chúng tôi phải thắp đèn cầy. (The power went out, so we had to light candles.)
  • Bàn ăn được trang trí với những cây đèn cầy thơm. (The dining table was decorated with scented candles.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "cầy" in "đèn cầy" originates from the French colonial period, derived from "bougie". It is a clear example of a loanword that has been fully integrated into everyday Vietnamese vocabulary.
• While "nến" is also a common word for candle, "đèn cầy" is widely used, particularly in Southern Vietnam. It can sometimes carry a more everyday or utilitarian connotation.

Variants and Related Words

• Nến (n): Candle. This is another standard word for candle in Vietnamese.
  • Cô ấy thích ngắm nến lung linh. (She likes to watch the candles flicker.)
• Đèn dầu (n): Oil lamp. A different type of traditional light source.
  • Ông tôi vẫn giữ chiếc đèn dầu cũ. (My grandfather still keeps the old oil lamp.)

Synonyms

• Candle
• Taper (a slender candle)

Related Idioms and Expressions

• Sáng như đèn cầy: (To be as bright as a candle). An idiom used to describe someone who is very intelligent or quick-witted.
  • Đứa bé đó sáng như đèn cầy, học cái gì cũng nhanh. (That child is as sharp as a tack; they learn everything quickly.)