bài ngà

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The Vietnamese word "bài ngà" refers to an "ivory badge" that was traditionally worn by mandarins in Vietnam. These badges indicated the rank or grade of the officials in the imperial court.

Basic Explanation:

• Meaning: "Bài ngà" is a noun that specifically denotes a badge made of ivory, showing the status or grade of a mandarin.
• Usage: This term is mainly used in historical or cultural contexts when discussing Vietnamese history or the imperial system.

Example:

• In a sentence: "Trong triều đình, các quan lại thường đeo bài ngà để thể hiện cấp bậc của mình." (In the imperial court, the officials often wore ivory badges to show their rank.)

Advanced Usage:

• The term can be used in discussions about historical attire, the social structure of the Vietnamese imperial system, or in literature that reflects on Vietnam's past.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "bài ngà," but you might encounter related terms like "quan" (official) or "triều đình" (imperial court) when discussing the context.

Different Meanings:

• "Bài ngà" primarily has one specific meaning related to the ivory badge. However, it may symbolize authority, status, or heritage in broader discussions about Vietnamese culture.

Synonyms:

• While "bài ngà" is quite specific, you might use terms like "huy hiệu" (emblem) or "dấu hiệu" (sign) in different contexts, but they do not carry the same historical weight as "bài ngà."

Cultural Note:

Understanding the term "bài ngà" provides insight into the history of Vietnam, particularly the Confucian-inspired bureaucratic system where officials were ranked and recognized by their attire and accessories. This reflects the importance of social hierarchy in Vietnamese culture.

Academic

noun

1. Ivory badge (worn by mandarins, indicating their grades)