ngọc bích
The English word "jade" is translated into Vietnamese as ngọc bích.
Ngọc bích is used to refer specifically to the gemstone known as jade.
Meaning: gem (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of ngọc, meaning gem or jewel and bích, which refers to a specific shade of green or a jade-like color.
Which one should you use?
While ngọc bích refers specifically to the jade gemstone, the word ngọc is a more general term used for any precious stone or jewel.
Did you know?
- While ngọc bích is written with a 'b', the root word bích is a variation of 'pích'. Most Vietnamese speakers cannot naturally pronounce a starting 'p' sound because it does not exist in native or Sino-Vietnamese words.
- Vietnamese idioms use the word ngọc to describe a person's character as being 'carved' or 'polished' through the process of education.
- If a person is named Ngọc, it is often a symbolic way for their family to label them as a 'precious treasure'.
Examples in context
- Tôi đã mua một viên đá ngọc bích dành cho mẹ tôi.I bought a jade stone for my mother.
- Hãy xem món ngọc lam tuyệt đẹp này!Look at this beautiful jade!
- Chiếc vòng này làm bằng ngọc bích.This bracelet is made of jade.
- Màu của ngọc bích rất đẹp.The color of the jade is very beautiful.
- Cô ấy yêu thích ngọc bích.She loves jade.
Example conversation
Hương and Minh are looking at jewelry in a shop.
- HươngMinh, anh nhìn xem cái nhẫn ngọc bích này đẹp không?Minh, look, is this jade ring beautiful?
- MinhNó trông rất sang trọng và tinh tế.It looks very elegant and sophisticated.
- HươngEm muốn mua nó làm quà cho mẹ.I want to buy it as a gift for my mother.
- MinhMẹ em chắc chắn sẽ thích nó đấy.Your mother will definitely like it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bích, ngọc, CC BY-SA 4.0.
