ngọ

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The Vietnamese word "ngọ" has several meanings and uses, most commonly associated with the concept of midday and the zodiac sign related to the horse. Here’s a detailed explanation for new learners:

Basic Meaning:

1. Seventh Earthly Branch: In Vietnamese astrology, "ngọ" represents the seventh earthly branch, which is symbolized by the horse. It plays a significant role in the traditional Vietnamese calendar and zodiac system.
2. Noon / Midday: "Ngọ" also means noon or midday, specifically around 11 AM to 1 PM.

Usage Instructions:

• When referring to the time of day, you can use "ngọ" to specify lunch or activities that occur at noon.
• In conversations about zodiac signs, "ngọ" can be used to describe someone born in the Year of the Horse.

Examples:

• Time Context: "Ăn cơm trưa lúc đúng ngọ" translates to "Have lunch at noon sharp."
• Zodiac Context: "Tôi sinh năm ngọ" means "I was born in the Year of the Horse."

Advanced Usage:

• In traditional Vietnamese culture, each earthly branch (including "ngọ") is associated with certain personality traits. For instance, people born in the Year of the Horse (tuổi ngọ) are often considered energetic, active, and free-spirited.

Word Variants:

• Tuổi Ngọ: This phrase specifically means "Year of the Horse," often used in the context of discussing zodiac signs.
• Giờ Ngọ: This translates to "midday" or "noon time," indicating the specific time period around noon.

Different Meanings:

• Ngọ can refer equally to a time of day or to the astrological context of the horse, but context is key in determining which meaning is being used.

Synonyms:

• For “noon”: You might also hear "giữa trưa" (midday).
• For the zodiac sign: "ngựa" is the word for "horse" in Vietnamese but is not used in the same context as "ngọ" for zodiac descriptions.

Academic

1. The seventh Earthly Branch (symbolized by the horse)
2. Noon, midday
   • Ăn cơm trưa lúc đúng ngọ
     To have one's lunch at noon sharp
   • Giờ ngọ
     Midday, noontime
   • Tuổi ngọ
     Born in the year of the horse