đường mây
Definition
- Noun:
- The path of clouds: A poetic and literary term referring to a high, elevated, or celestial path among the clouds.
- The path to fame and high office: A metaphorical meaning, derived from classical Sino-Vietnamese literature ("vân lộ" or "thanh vân lộ"), symbolizing the road to success, a prestigious career, or high official rank, particularly in a scholarly or mandarin context.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Nhà thơ mơ tưởng đến một con đường mây xa tít. (The poet dreamed of a distant path among the clouds.)
- Theo đuổi đường mây, anh ấy đã thi đỗ và trở thành một quan lớn. (Pursuing the path to high office, he passed the imperial exams and became a high-ranking mandarin.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is almost exclusively used in literary, poetic, or classical contexts to evoke imagery of lofty aspirations, spiritual journeys, or scholarly achievement. It is not used in everyday conversation to describe a physical road.
Variants and Related Words
- Bước lên đường mây (idiomatic phrase): to step onto the cloud path; meaning to begin a journey toward high achievement or official success.
- Sau khi đỗ trạng nguyên, chàng trai trẻ bước lên đường mây. (After topping the imperial exams, the young man stepped onto the path to high office.)
Synonyms
- Path to glory: A route leading to great honor and success.
- Road to success: A metaphorical way to achieve one's goals and attain a high position.
- Celestial path: A lofty, heavenly, or spiritual road.
Related Idioms
- Lênh đênh đường mây: to drift or float along the cloud path; implying an uncertain, lofty, or romanticized journey with an unpredictable outcome.
- Cuộc đời chàng thi sĩ lênh đênh đường mây. (The poet's life was a drifting journey on an uncertain, lofty path.)