đại khoa
Definition
- Noun (Historical):
- A major examination: In the historical Confucian examination system of Vietnam and China, "đại khoa" refers to the highest level of imperial examinations. Passing this exam conferred the prestigious title of "tiến sĩ" (doctorate) and qualified one for high-ranking government positions.
- The act of passing this exam: The term can also denote the achievement of successfully passing this highest-level examination.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ông cụ thân sinh ra đỗ đại khoa năm 25 tuổi. (His father passed the highest imperial examination at the age of 25.)
- Trạng nguyên là danh hiệu cao nhất trong kỳ thi đại khoa. (The "Trạng Nguyên" was the highest title in the "đại khoa" examination.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in historical or literary contexts to discuss scholarly achievement in pre-modern East Asia.
- It is often contrasted with "tiểu khoa" (minor examination), which had lower prestige and was sometimes colloquially associated with getting married, as referenced in some folk sayings.
Variants and Related Words
Đỗ đạt (v): to pass examinations, to achieve academic success.
- Cả đời ông ấy mong con cái đỗ đạt. (His whole life, he wished for his children to pass examinations and succeed.)
Tiến sĩ (n): doctorate; the degree awarded to those who passed the "đại khoa".
- Vị tiến sĩ ấy từng đỗ đại khoa dưới thời vua Lê. (That doctorate holder once passed the highest examination during the Lê dynasty.)
Synonyms
- Highest imperial examination: The major, triennial palace examination.
- Metropolitan examination: Sometimes used to describe an advanced stage of the exam system leading to the final palace exam.
Related Idioms
- "Đại khoa là thi đỗ, tiểu khoa là cưới vợ": A traditional saying contrasting life's major achievements: "Passing the highest exam is a major event; getting married is a minor event." This highlights the paramount historical importance of scholarly success.