The Vietnamese word "thăng hoa" can be translated into English as "to sublimate." It is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
Literal meaning: In a scientific context, "thăng hoa" refers to the process of a substance changing directly from a solid to a gas without becoming liquid first. However, this meaning is less common in everyday conversation.
Metaphorical meaning: More commonly, "thăng hoa" is used to describe an elevation in emotions or experiences, such as a feeling of joy, excitement, or inspiration. It implies reaching a higher state of being or experiencing something intensely positive.
Literal: "Nước đá thăng hoa khi nhiệt độ tăng."
(Ice sublimates when the temperature rises.)
Metaphorical: "Khi nghe bài hát yêu thích, tôi cảm thấy thăng hoa."
(When I listen to my favorite song, I feel euphoric.)
In literature or poetry, "thăng hoa" can be used to describe profound emotional experiences or moments of enlightenment. For example, an author might describe a character's feelings of love as causing them to "thăng hoa" into a new state of joy.
"Thăng hoa" is a versatile word that conveys both literal and metaphorical meanings of elevation and transformation.