The Vietnamese word "ngục tối" translates to "dark jail" or "sinister gaol" in English. This term is often used to describe a prison or dungeon that is dark, oppressive, and has a gloomy atmosphere. It evokes feelings of confinement and despair.
Usage Instructions
Context: "Ngục tối" is typically used in literary or dramatic contexts to emphasize the harshness of imprisonment or to create a dark and foreboding setting.
Grammatical Role: It is a noun phrase, so it can be used as the subject or object in a sentence.
Example Sentences
Literal Use: "Anh ta bị giam trong ngục tối suốt 10 năm."
(He was imprisoned in a dark jail for 10 years.)
Figurative Use: "Cảm giác như chúng ta đang sống trong ngục tối của sự chán nản."
(It feels like we are living in the dark jail of boredom.)
Advanced Usage
"Ngục tối" can be used metaphorically to describe situations or emotions that feel confining or oppressive, beyond just physical imprisonment. For instance, one might refer to a difficult job or a toxic relationship as a "ngục tối" in their life.
Word Variants
Ngục: This means "prison" or "jail" on its own.
Tối: This means "dark" or "gloomy."
Together, they form "ngục tối," emphasizing the darkness of the prison environment.
Different Meanings
While "ngục tối" primarily refers to a dark or sinister prison, it can also symbolize any situation that feels constricting, such as emotional struggles or social oppression.
Synonyms
Ngục: Simply means "prison."
Tù: Another word for "prison," but it does not carry the same connotation of darkness.
Nhà tù: A more general term for "jail" or "prison" without the specific dark imagery.
Summary
"Ngục tối" is a powerful term that conveys the sense of a dark and oppressive imprisonment, both literally and metaphorically.