The Vietnamese word "ngà voi" translates to "elephant's tusk" or "ivory" in English.
Explanation
Ngà voi refers specifically to the long, pointed teeth that extend from the mouths of elephants. These tusks are made of ivory, a dense material that is prized for its beauty and used in various crafts and artworks.
Usage Instructions
Ngà voi is a noun and is typically used when talking about elephants, wildlife, or materials derived from animals.
You can use it in sentences to describe the tusks or to talk about products made from ivory.
Example Sentences
Con voi có ngà voi rất dài.
(The elephant has very long tusks.)
Ngà voi được sử dụng để làm đồ trang sức.
(Ivory is used to make jewelry.)
Advanced Usage
In more advanced contexts, ngà voi can be used to discuss conservation issues, the illegal ivory trade, or cultural artifacts: - Việc buôn bán ngà voi là bất hợp pháp ở nhiều quốc gia.
(The trade of ivory is illegal in many countries.)
Word Variants
Ngà: This term can refer to "tusk" in general, not just that of elephants. It can also mean "horn" in other contexts.
Voi: This means "elephant" in Vietnamese.
Different Meanings
While ngà voi primarily refers to "elephant's tusk" or "ivory," the term can also be used metaphorically in literature or poetry to evoke images of beauty, strength, or durability.
Synonyms
Ngà: Although "ngà" alone typically means "tusk," it can be used in broader contexts related to horns or similar structures.
Ivory: In English, the direct translation could just be "ivory," which refers to the material derived from tusks of elephants and other animals.
Cultural Note
In Vietnamese culture, and many others, the elephant is a symbol of strength and wisdom. The tusks, or ngà voi, are often associated with traditional crafts and art.