Finally, from the above similarities and differences between the idioms and proverbs denoting colour of the two English - Vietnamese languages, the study is helped us to understand thoro
INTRODUCTION
R ATIONALE FOR THE STUDY
In today's globalized world, English is essential for international communication, leading to an increasing number of learners embracing this complex yet adaptable language Similar to Vietnamese, English features idioms and proverbs—unique phrases that convey specific meanings and reflect the essence of English culture These expressions, while structured, often possess meanings that differ from their literal interpretations Widely used in both formal and informal contexts, idioms and proverbs enhance fluency and help non-native speakers sound more natural, particularly in conversations with native speakers.
Color significantly influences human life, with each hue embodying unique nuances, meanings, and symbols In English, colors are often integrated into idioms and proverbs, where they convey deeper meanings beyond their visual representation For instance, the color blue symbolizes peace and tranquility, yellow expresses joy, and green represents vitality.
This study explores English idioms and proverbs, specifically focusing on their Vietnamese equivalents The aim is to enhance understanding of color-related idioms and proverbs while providing practical applications for their use.
A IMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The aim of the study
This study aims to explore the similarities and differences in the syntactic and semantic features of English and Vietnamese idioms and proverbs that denote colors.
- Describing the syntactic and semantic features of idioms and proverbs denoting colours in English with reference to the Vietnamese equivalents
- Comparing and contrasting syntactic and semantic features of idioms and proverbs denoting colours in English with reference to the Vietnamese equivalents.
R ESEARCH QUESTIONS
1 What are the syntactic and semantic features of idioms and proverbs denoting colours?
2 What are the differences and similarities between English and Vietnamese idioms and proverbs denoting colours?
S COPE OF THE STUDY
This study examines English idioms and proverbs related to colors and their Vietnamese counterparts Due to the vast and complex nature of idioms and proverbs in each language, the research will focus specifically on key colors, including black, white, red, blue, green, and yellow, which correspond to the Vietnamese term "đen."
"trắng", "đỏ", "xanh dương" or "lam", "xanh lá" and "vàng" in Vietnamese.
S IGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study aims to enhance the understanding and application of idioms and proverbs, particularly those related to colors, for English teachers, learners, and translators By providing deeper insights, it will enable users to employ these expressions more fluently and naturally while minimizing common errors in teaching, learning, and translation.
D ESIGN OF THE STUDY
Apart from abstracts, references and appendices, this research provides a clear organization consisting three main parts
Part I – Introduction consists of six small sections There are Rationale, Aims and objectives of the study, Research questions, Scope of the study, Significance of the study, Design of the study
Part II – Development consists of three chapters Chapter 1 - Literature review In this sub-divisions, some researches of domestic and foreign authors that were made previously are indicated Then, some background information like the definition of idioms, proverbs, colours, and syntactic, semantic features Due to the limitation of knowledge, my research only focuse on some main colours such as: black, white, red, blue, green, yellow The next one is Chap 2 - Methodology It describes the methodology used in the research including three research methods (comparison-contrast method, the statistical method, the analytical method), data collection, research procedures and data analysis to carry out the research Chapter 3 - Finding and Discussions reports and discusses the findings of the study
And the last part is Part III – Conclusion summaries, restates the major finding and offers some implications for teaching and learning.
DEVELOPMENT
In the past ten years, there have been many studies on idioms with words indicating colour, notably the subsequent studies:
In his 2013 study, "Color Idioms in English and Vietnamese: A Contrastive Analysis and Teaching Implications," Nguyen Manh Khang aims to enhance students' understanding of idiomatic expressions in both languages Utilizing descriptive, comparative, and contrastive methods, the author offers valuable educational insights to aid learners in their knowledge acquisition and academic improvement However, the study primarily emphasizes semantics over syntax, resulting in a somewhat general content focus.
A little prior than the above study, Pham Thi Kim Chuyen (2012) did the study ―A Study on Linguistic Features of the Word ―Green‖ in English and
―Xanh lá‖ in Vietnamese‖ a rich source of information and capable of in-depth analysis, but it still did not pay much attention to syntactic features
The research by Tran Vu Thi Diem Vy (2013) titled "Cognitive Linguistic Features of Idioms Related to the Concept of 'Black' and 'White' in English Versus Vietnamese" meticulously investigates language patterns The study analyzes English and Vietnamese idioms associated with the concepts of "Black" and "White," highlighting their semantic, syntactic, and rhetorical similarities and differences from a cognitive linguistics perspective However, the research is deemed incomplete as it does not fully explore the factors influencing the semantic mechanisms of these idioms.
For studies abroad, we must bring up the study which was completed in
In 2012, a cognitive study titled "A Cognitive Study of Color Terms in Persian and English" was conducted in Iran by authors Mohammad Amouzadeh, Manouchehr Tavangar, and Mohammad A Sorah The research primarily utilized Kűvecses' modified model to explore the role of metaphor in understanding color terms across the two languages.
LITERATURE REVIEW
R EVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS STUDIES
In the past ten years, there have been many studies on idioms with words indicating colour, notably the subsequent studies:
In his 2013 study, "Color Idioms in English and Vietnamese: A Contrastive Analysis and Teaching Implications," Nguyen Manh Khang aims to enhance students' understanding of idiomatic expressions in both languages Utilizing descriptive, comparative, and contrastive methods, the author offers valuable educational insights to aid learners in their knowledge acquisition and academic improvement However, the study primarily emphasizes semantics over syntax, resulting in a somewhat general content focus.
A little prior than the above study, Pham Thi Kim Chuyen (2012) did the study ―A Study on Linguistic Features of the Word ―Green‖ in English and
―Xanh lá‖ in Vietnamese‖ a rich source of information and capable of in-depth analysis, but it still did not pay much attention to syntactic features
The research by Tran Vu Thi Diem Vy (2013) titled "Cognitive Linguistic Features of Idioms Related to the Concept of 'Black' and 'White' in English Versus Vietnamese" meticulously investigates language patterns The study analyzes English and Vietnamese idioms associated with the concepts of "Black" and "White," highlighting their semantic, syntactic, and rhetorical similarities and differences from a cognitive linguistics perspective However, the research is deemed incomplete as it does not fully explore the factors influencing the semantic mechanisms of these idioms.
For studies abroad, we must bring up the study which was completed in
In 2012, a study titled "A Cognitive Study of Color Terms in Persian and English" was conducted by Mohammad Amouzadeh, Manouchehr Tavangar, and Mohammad A Sorah This research utilized Kűvecses' modified model, which views metaphor as a cultural-cognitive phenomenon, to compare the culturally specific nature of color metaphors in Persian and English.
In 2017, Reema Fityan and Maite Azcutia conducted a multinational study titled "Translating Idioms of Colour," which explored the relationship of colour idioms across English, Arabic, and Spanish This research highlighted the historical, cultural, and linguistic aspects of these languages, aiding in the accurate translation of idioms while preserving their cultural and lexical diversity amidst the challenges of figurative language.
Despite the impressive quality of the existing studies, there remains a lack of research focusing on idioms and proverbs related to the six colors—black, white, red, blue, green, and yellow—in both English and Vietnamese.
R EVIEW OF THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
1.2.1 Definition of idioms and proverbs a Definition of idioms
An idiom is defined as a phrase or sentence whose meaning cannot be deduced from the meanings of its individual words, and it must be learned as a complete unit (Hornby, 1995: 589).
Moreover, in his book ―A Dictionary of Linguistics and Phonetics‖ (2008:
An idiom is defined as a sequence of words that is semantically and often syntactically restricted, functioning as a single unit in grammar and lexicology.
In Vietnam, Nguyen Nhu Y (1996: 271) defines an idiom as a fixed phrase or expression with a cohesive semantic meaning It serves as a complete identifier that conveys a general meaning distinct from the individual meanings of its components Essentially, idioms do not possess a literal interpretation and function as a single word within a sentence.
An idiom is a term or fixed phrase whose meaning is not derived from the individual words within it For example, the English expression "once in a blue moon" literally refers to a rare event of a moon appearing blue, but it is commonly used to describe occurrences that happen infrequently In contrast, the Vietnamese equivalent "Năm thì mười họa" conveys a similar meaning using a different phrase.
According to the Hornby and Cowie (1995: 933), proverb was defined as
―a well-known phrase or sentence that gives advice or says something that is generally true.‖
As defined in ―Từ điển tiếng Việt‖ (Viện Ngôn ngữ học, 2003: 1062):
Proverbs are concise statements, often rhythmic, that encapsulate the collective wisdom, life experiences, and practical ethics of the people.
A proverb is defined as a well-known phrase or brief sentence that conveys advice, encapsulating collective knowledge, life experiences, and practical ethics For instance, the English proverb "February fill dyke, be it black or be it white" reflects the weather patterns in England during February, a time characterized by cold and snowy conditions This saying highlights the rainy season, where the rain creates a stark contrast between muddy black soil and white snow, serving as a valuable life lesson from the ancients.
1.2.2 Classification of Idioms and Proverbs
Idioms and proverbs are distinctive cultural features of a language, with idioms commonly used in daily conversations Proverbs, on the other hand, convey wisdom and advice, encapsulating collective knowledge, life experiences, and practical ethics, often expressing universally accepted truths.
According to ―Translation of Idioms: A Hard Task for the Translator‖ (Adelnia, Dastjerdi, 2011), idioms and proverbs can be classified by these several criterias:
Table 1.1: Classification of Idioms and Proverbs
Idioms are linguistic expressions or lexical items representing objects, concepts or phenomena of material life particular to a given culture
It is a short, generally known sentence of the folk that gives advice about how we should express a belief that is actually thought to be true and valuable
Idioms cannot be translated literally because their meaning won’t be predicted from the usual meaning of their constituents
Proverbs have a full meaning alone, popularly used and repeated It expresses facts and truth based on common sense
Grammatically Idioms are phrases Proverbs are statements
Idioms are necessary to any language in order to keep the local and cultural colour of that language
Proverbs enhance communication by conveying facts gently and smoothly, making them more reliable and valid They add flavor and beauty to your speech, effectively captivating your audience.
(Source: Translation of Idioms: A Hard Task for the Translator)
This research aims to analyze and compare idioms and proverbs related to color in both English and Vietnamese, addressing the challenges in classifying these expressions.
1.2.3 Characteristics of Idioms and Proverb a Syntactic features
Yusifova (2013) from the Department of English History and Lexicology at Azerbaijan University of Languages examined the syntactic characteristics of idioms and proverbs, defining them as "fixed expressions" where the elements cannot be altered or substituted However, she noted that certain modifications, both lexical and grammatical, are permissible within idioms.
Kovecses and Szabó (1996) assert that the meanings of idioms and proverbs are not directly derived from their individual components These expressions are characterized by an overall meaning that cannot be anticipated solely based on the meanings of their parts.
1.2.4 Overview of structures of Idioms and Proverbs a Noun phrases
As defined by Crystal in "Dictionary of linguistics & phonetics" (2008:
Noun phrases (NP), also known as nominal groups, are essential constructions that primarily feature nouns as their head words A noun phrase typically consists of a noun or a noun substitute, like a pronoun, along with any modifiers that precede or follow the noun.
Example: The black market – Chợ đen b Verb phrases
A verb phrase consists of a main (or lexical) verb as its head, which can be accompanied by up to four auxiliary verbs, as noted by Greenbaum (1996: 246).
Example: Beat someone black and blue – Đánh ai đó bầm tím c Adjective phrases
According to Quirk & Greenbaum (1973: 115), an adjective phrase is defined as a phrase that has an adjective as its head or sole realization They note that the adjective typically dictates the function of the adjective phrase, and for convenience, they often use adjectives alone to demonstrate the functions of these phrases, referring to adjectives as a more concise way to denote adjective phrases.
Example: Green light - Đèn xanh d Adverb phrases
An adverb phrase (AdvP), as defined in the "Dictionary of Linguistics & Phonetics" (Crystal, 2008: 14), typically begins with an adverb, which serves as the central component of the phrase in English.
Example: Once in a blue moon – Năm thì mười họa e Simple sentences
According to Crystal (2008: 437), simple sentences are often understood simply as a sentence "containing one clause" It means that a sentence has only one subject - predicate phrase
Example: Quả xanh gặp nanh sắc – Diamond cuts diamond f Complex sentences
S UMMARY
This chapter is crucial as it presents the concepts and theories derived from previous scholars This foundational information serves as the basis for developing the thesis in the subsequent chapters.
METHODOLOGY
R ESEARCH QUESTION REVISITED
To further clarify the purpose of the study, the research questions that need to be answered are:
1 What are the syntactic and semantic features of idioms and proverbs denoting colours?
2 What are the differences and similarities between English and Vietnamese idioms and proverbs denoting colours?
R ESEARCH METHODS
This study employs the comparison-contrast method as its primary research approach, essential for identifying the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idioms and proverbs related to colors, focusing on their syntactic and semantic characteristics.
In addition, the study also uses 2 more research methods to support the major method:
- Statistical method: It used to list all the idioms and proverbs denoting colours in English and equivalent idioms and proverbs in Vietnamese in order to document the research submission
The analytical method is employed to examine the syntactic and semantic characteristics of idioms and proverbs related to color expressions in English, as well as their Vietnamese counterparts that convey equivalent meanings.
The descriptive method emphasizes the characterization of idioms and proverbs related to color, concentrating on their inherent qualities rather than exploring the reasons behind their combinations This approach aims to provide a clear depiction of the subject matter without delving into the underlying causes of these linguistic phenomena.
R ESEARCH PROCEDURES
According to "Linguistics across Cultures: Applied Linguistics for Language Teachers" (Lado, 1957), this research is divided into four stages as follows:
• Description: Through descriptive method, learning the concepts and materials needed for analysing idioms and proverbs denoting colour in English and Vietnamese
The research involves employing statistical and analytical methods to compile a comprehensive list of English idioms and proverbs related to colors, along with their Vietnamese equivalents These expressions will be categorized into groups for detailed analysis, contributing to the documentation of the research findings.
This article explores the syntactic and semantic features of idioms and proverbs related to color in English and Vietnamese through a comparative analysis By employing a comparison-contrast method, it identifies both the similarities and differences between the two languages, highlighting how cultural contexts influence the use of color in expressions The findings reveal distinct patterns in syntax and meaning, showcasing the richness of color-related idioms and proverbs across these two languages.
• Prediction: Signify out the similarities and differences of idioms and proverbs denoting colour in English and Vietnamese
This study employs a contrastive and comparative research approach to elucidate the similarities and differences between the English and Vietnamese languages.
D ATA COLLECTION
This research utilizes 67 idioms and proverbs related to color in English, sourced from "Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms" by Cowie et al., "The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs" by Simpson and Speake, and "Colour Idioms Frequently Used in English Language" by Duvnjak The study categorizes these expressions into various colors: 14 idioms and proverbs pertain to "black," 16 to "white," 14 each to "red" and "blue," 8 to "green," and a single expression related to "yellow."
The analysis of Vietnamese idioms and proverbs related to color is based on 50 phrases sourced from reputable dictionaries, including "Từ điển thành ngữ tục ngữ Việt Nam" (Lan, 2010) and "Từ điển thành ngữ tục ngữ ca dao Việt Nam" (Chuong, 2005) This collection features 13 expressions associated with the color yellow, 1 for blue, and 9 idioms each for the colors black, white, red, and green.
The data presented is gathered through a manual collection method, ensuring high accuracy due to its basis in scientific research by renowned authors published in reputable books and dictionaries However, it is important to note that the idioms and proverbs mentioned represent only a fraction of the extensive range of color-related idioms and proverbs found in both English and Vietnamese.
A NALYTICAL FRAMEWORK
This research will analyze idioms and proverbs associated with six primary colors, focusing on their syntactic and semantic features Each idiom and proverb will be categorized into groups for comparative analysis.
Noun phrase The black sheep Mặt sắt đen sì
Verb phrase Be in someone's black books Lo bò trắng răng
Adjective phrase Big white chief Xanh vỏ đỏ lòng
Adverb phrase Out of the blue None
Prepositional phrase Beyond the black stump None
Simple sentence A black mark against someone Lửa đã đỏ lại bỏ thêm rơm
Complex sentence Blue are the hills that are far away
Giàu ăn ba bữa, khó cũng đỏ lửa ba lần
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
Thà rằng được sẻ trên tay còn hơn được hứa trên mây hạc vàng
The article explores various idioms and proverbs from both English and Vietnamese languages, highlighting their meanings and usage It draws from reputable sources such as the Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms and the Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs Additionally, it examines the significance of color idioms frequently used in English, alongside traditional Vietnamese expressions This comparative analysis showcases the richness of idiomatic language and its cultural implications in both linguistic contexts.
Table 2.2: Rhetorical measures analytical framework
Metaphor Better dead than red Chó đen giữ mực
Metonymy A white hope Hai bàn tay trắng
Simile Like a red rag to a bull Nhân hiền tại mạo, trắng gạo ngon cơm
Hyperbole Beat someone black and blue Thần nanh đỏ mỏ
Antithesis In black and white Đổi trắng thay đen
The article explores various idioms and proverbs from both English and Vietnamese languages, highlighting their meanings and usage It draws from reputable sources such as the Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms and the Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs Additionally, it examines the significance of color idioms frequently used in English, alongside traditional Vietnamese expressions This comparative analysis showcases the richness of idiomatic language and its cultural implications in both linguistic contexts.
Table 2.3: Semantic fields analytical framework
The colour tone of something
(As) white as a sheet / ghost Đen như cột nhà cháy
Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight; red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning
Kiến đen tha trứng lên cao, thế nào cũng có mưa rào rất to
Human alluding A white knight Đầu xanh tuổi trẻ
Behaviours and sensations Show the white feather Mặt đỏ như gấc
A particular conception Red tape Xanh cọng, nóng nác
The article explores various idioms and proverbs from both English and Vietnamese languages, highlighting their meanings and usage It draws from reputable sources such as the Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms and the Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs Additionally, it examines the significance of color idioms frequently used in English, alongside traditional Vietnamese expressions This comparative analysis showcases the richness of idiomatic language and its cultural implications in communication.
S UMMARY
The study adhered closely to its research design, emphasizing the collection and analysis of idioms and proverbs related to colors This meticulous approach was crucial in deriving meaningful results, ultimately aimed at enhancing English learners' confidence in using color-related idioms and proverbs to improve their communication skills.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
C OMPARE THE SYNTACTIC FEATURES OF E NGLISH AND V IETNAMESE
Idioms and proverbs can be categorized into eight common structural types for analysis, including noun phrases, verb phrases, adjective phrases, adverb phrases, and prepositional phrases, as well as various sentence structures such as simple, complex, and comparative forms.
1 English and Vietnamese Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour with noun phrase structures
(Mặt sắt đen sì, etc) 3 Art + Adj + N/ NP
(A black look, The black market, etc)
(Non xanh nước biếc, etc)
(Red-light district) 1 N/ NP + N/ NP
(Cá vàng bụng bọ, etc) 3
(A bolt from the blue, etc)
(Mây xanh thì nắng, mây trắng thì mưa)
(Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight; red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning)
(Đầu xanh tuổi trẻ, etc) 3
(One white foot, buy 1 N + Adj + C + N +
Adj + N + Adj + N 1 him; two white feet, try him; three white feet, look well about him; four white feet, go without him)
(Nhân hiền tại mạo, trắng gạo ngon cơm)
(Men in white coats) 1 None 0
(The wide/wild blue yonder)
Table 3.1: Noun Phrase Structures of English and Vietnamese Idioms and
The analysis of noun phrase structures in idioms and proverbs reveals that English exhibits a slightly higher number of structures compared to Vietnamese Notably, the "Art + Adj + N/ NP" structure appears 14 times in English, while the most common Vietnamese structure, "N + Adj + N + Adj," is represented by only 6 examples The remaining syntaxes are distributed fairly evenly across both languages Despite both being noun phrase structures, the specific syntaxes of idioms and proverbs in English and Vietnamese differ significantly.
2 English and Vietnamese Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour with verb phrase structures
(Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì rạng.)
(Beat someone black and blue, Bleed someone white)
(Đổi trắng thay đen, Ăn trắng mặc trơn)
(Show the white feather, etc)
(Mark something with a white stone)
(Paint the town red) 1 None 0
(Do something until you are blue in the face)
Table 3.2: Verb Phrase Structures of English and Vietnamese Idioms and
The analysis of verb phrase structures reveals significant syntactic differences between the two languages English features seven fundamental syntactic structures, with the most common being "V + (Art) + Adj + N/ NP," which accounts for four instances Other notable structures include "V + ProN + Adj (+ C + Adj)."
N" As for Vietnamese, the syntax "V + Adj + V + Adj" is the most with 2 examples For the remaining of the syntax, there are not many examples
3 English and Vietnamese Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour with adjective phrase structures
English Occurrence Vietnamese Occurrence Adj + N/ NP
(black box, red alert, etc)
(Trong ngọc trắng ngà, Xanh vỏ đỏ lòng, etc)
(Red in tooth and claw)
(Đen đầu thì bỏ, đỏ đầu thì nuôi)
(reds under the bed, green about (or around or at) the gills)
(Vàng mây thì gió, đỏ mây thì mưa)
Table 3.3: Adjective Phrase Structures of English and Vietnamese Idioms and
Statistics reveal that English features a significantly higher number of idioms and proverbs related to color, with 13 occurrences compared to just 7 in Vietnamese The predominant syntactic structure in English is "Adj + N/ NP," followed by "Adj + Pre + (Art) + N/ NP." In contrast, the most common structure in Vietnamese is "Adj + N + (C) + Adj + N," which accounts for over half of the occurrences, totaling 4 instances, while other structures appear only once.
4 English and Vietnamese Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour with adverb phrase structures
English Occurrence Vietnamese Occurrence Adv + Pre + Art + N
(Out of the blue) 1 None 0
Table 3.4: Adverb Phrase Structures of English and Vietnamese Idioms and
The adverb phrase structure of idioms and proverbs related to color is unique to English and is notably absent in Vietnamese In English, there are only two specific structures: "Adv + Pre + Art + N" and "Adv + Pre + Art + Adj + N."
5 English and Vietnamese Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour with prepositional phrase structures
(In the black, In the red)
(In black and white) 1 None 0
(Between the devil and the deep blue sea)
Table 3.5: Prepositional Phrase Structures of English and Vietnamese Idioms denoting colour
The structure of prepositional phrases in English idioms and proverbs that denote color is distinct and does not have a counterpart in Vietnamese There are four common structures identified: "Pre + Art + N," "Pre + Art + Adj + N," "Pre + Adj + C + Adj," and "Pre + Art + N + C + Adj + N."
6 English and Vietnamese Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour with simple sentence structures
(two blacks don't make a white)
(Mạ úa cấy lúa chóng xanh, Quả xanh gặp nanh sắc, etc)
(A green Yule makes a fat churchyard)
(Lửa đã đỏ lại bỏ thêm rơm)
Table 3.6: Simple Sentence Structures of English and Vietnamese Idioms and
Statistics reveal that idioms and proverbs related to color are more frequently found in Vietnamese than in English.
Vietnamese has 6 occurrences with 3 structures: "S + V + N", "S + V + N + Adj", "S + V + Adj + C + V + N"
In English, the structures are divided into 3 types: "S + V + Art + N", "S +
7 English and Vietnamese Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour with complex sentence structures
(February fill dyke, be it black or be it white)
(Lọng vàng che nải chuối xanh, tiếc con chim loan phượng đậu nhành tre khô)
(Blue are the hills that are far away)
(Kiến đen tha trứng lên cao, thế nào cũng có mưa rào rất to)
(It doesn't matter a cat is black or white as long as it catches mice)
(Tua rua mọc, vàng cây héo lá, tua rua lặn, chết cá chết tôm)
(Ai ăn trầu thì nấy đỏ môi)
(Mưa tránh chỗ trắng, nắng tránh chỗ đen, etc)
(Giàu ăn ba bữa, khó cũng đỏ lửa ba lần)
Table 3.7: Complex Sentence Structures of English and Vietnamese Idioms and
The complex sentence structures of Vietnamese idioms and proverbs involve color far more than in English It has up to 7 common structures and 7 occurrences For instance, the structure "S + V + N // S + V + N"; "S + V/Adj +
N + Adj + N// S + V/ Adj + N + Adj + N"; etc As for English, there are 3 following structures: "S + V + N // V + N + Adj + C + V + S + Adj", "S + V + Art + N + C + V + Adj + Adv", "S + V + N + V + Adj + C + Adj + C + S + V + N"
8 English and Vietnamese Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour with comparative sentence structures
(The devil is not so black as he is painted) 1
(white as a sheet / ghost, red as a beetroot) 2
CW+ Art + Adj + N/ NP + Pre + Art + N/
(like a red rag to a bull)
N + V + Adv + (Adj + CW) + Pre + Art + Adj + N + Pre + Art + N
(The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence)
Table 3.8: Comparative Sentence Structures of English Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour
(Đen như cột nhà cháy, etc) 4
(Mặt đỏ như gấc, Mặt vàng như nghệ) 2
(Thà rằng được sẻ trên tay còn hơn được hứa trên mây hạc vàng)
Table 3.9: Comparative Sentence Structures of Vietnamese Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour
The distribution of idioms and proverbs that denote color with comparative structures in English and Vietnamese is balanced, with a concentration at similar degrees of comparison In English, common comparative structures include "Adj + CW + (Art) + N/NP," "CW + Art + Adj + N," and "CW + Art + Adj + N/NP + Pre + Art + N/NP." In contrast, Vietnamese typically employs two structures: "Adj + CW + N/NP" and "N + Adj + CW + N."
However, in the lower-level comparative structure, only English exists the structure ―N + V + Adj + CW+ ProN + V" and Vietnamese idioms and proverbs denoting colour are absent
In Vietnamese, the higher degree comparative structure follows the pattern "(Adv) + V + N + Adv + N + CW + V + Adv + N." In contrast, English employs two distinct structures: "CW + Adj + C + Adj" and "N + V + Adv + (Adj + CW) + Pre + Art + Adj + N + Pre + Art + N."
Table 3.10: A summary of English and Vietnamese Idioms denoting colour in
Art + Adj + N/ NP N + Adj + N + Adj N/ NP + N/ NP N/ NP + N/ NP (Art) + N + Pre + Art +
NP + Pre + N, NP N/ NP + Adj + N/ NP
N + Pre + Adj + N None Art + Adv + Adj + N None
Adj + Adj + N/ NP Adj + N + (C) + Adj + N Adj + Pre + N + (C + N) Adj + N + C + V
Adj + Pre + (Art) + N/NP Adj + N + C + N
Adv + Pre + Art + N None Adv + Pre + Art + Adj +
Pre + Art + Adj + N None Pre + Adj + C + Adj None Pre + Art + N + C + Adj
CW+ Art + Adj + N/ NP + Pre + Art + N/ NP N + Adj + CW+ N CW+ Art + Adj + N None
CW+ ADJ + C + ADJ (Adv) + V + N + Adv + N +
N + V + Adv + (Adj + CW) + Pre + Art + Adj +
To help people better understand, the table below will help people have an improved overview of the syntax of idioms and proverbs within the two languages:
Table 3.11: Summarizes the occurrence of structures used in English and
Vietnamese Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour
English Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour
Vietnamese Idioms and Proverbs denoting colour Occurrence Rate Occurrence Rate
The analysis of idioms and proverbs related to color reveals that English predominantly utilizes phrases, while Vietnamese often employs sentence forms Notably, both languages primarily feature noun phrase structures, with 34% in Vietnamese and 34.3% in English Unlike English, Vietnamese lacks adverb and prepositional phrase structures A significant similarity between the two languages is the presence of 7 occurrences within comparative sentence structures.
C OMPARE THE SEMANTIC FEATURES OF E NGLISH AND V IETNAMESE
1 Methods of conveying the semantics of idioms and proverbs denoting colour a Literal meanings
Idioms and proverbs always make people confused about their meaning because most of them are figurative However, a number of the subsequent idioms and proverbs with colour words are exceptions:
February fill dyke, be it black or be it white
One white foot, buy him; two white feet, try him; three white feet, look well about him; four white feet, go without him
Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight; red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning
Mưa tránh chỗ trắng, nắng tránh chỗ đen
Kiến đen tha trứng lên cao, thế nào cũng có mưa rào rất to
Mây xanh thì nắng, mây trắng thì mưa
Trời đang nắng, cỏ gà trắng thì mưa
Xanh nhà hơn già đồng
Mạ úa cấy lúa chóng xanh
Vàng mây thì gió, đỏ mây thì mưa
Nhất vện, nhì vàng, tam khoang, tứ đốm
Tua rua mọc, vàng cây héo lá, Tua rua lặn, chết cá chết tôm
The examples discussed highlight weather phenomena, farming experiences, and natural scenes, allowing readers and listeners to grasp their intended meanings easily Consequently, these expressions serve as idioms and proverbs that convey literal meanings while also possessing figurative interpretations.
Idioms and proverbs, especially those related to color, possess unique and significant meanings These expressions utilize various rhetorical devices to convey their figurative interpretations effectively.
According to the "Vietnamese Dictionary" (Institute of Linguistics, 2003: 19), metaphor is defined as "the use of words based on association and implicit comparison."
Example: In the red - Nợ nần chồng chất
In "Historical semantics and cognition", Blank gave the definition of metonymy as ―a linguistic device based on salient conceptual relations within a frame network‖ (1999: 174)
Example: A yellow streak - Tính nhát gan
In ―Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English‖ (1995:
1102), A S Hornby defined simile as ―a comparison of one thing with another‖
Example: Red as a beetroot - Đỏ như gấc
Hornby (1995: 586) supposed hyperbole is "deliberately and obviously exaggerated for effect."
Example: Bleed someone white - Uống nước cả cặn
The Institute of Linguistics (2003: 1081) defines antithesis as a rhetorical device characterized by its distinctly opposite and contrasting elements.
Example: In black and white - Giấy trắng mực đen
Table 3.12: Rhetorical measures of Idioms and Proverb denoting colour in
Both English and Vietnamese idioms and proverbs utilize all five rhetorical devices: Metaphor, Metonymy, Simile, Hyperbole, and Antithesis Notably, metonymy is the most prevalent in English, accounting for 68.8%, while metaphor is the most common in Vietnamese, representing 46.2% The other rhetorical devices are used less frequently in both languages.
2 The semantic fields of idioms and proverbs denoting colour a The colour tone of something:
(As) white as a sheet / ghost Đen như cột nhà cháy
Table 3.13: Idioms and Proverbs of English and Vietnamese in the Semantic field of Colour
Idioms and proverbs belonging to this field of meaning exclusively refer to the specific colour of something b Life experience:
February fill dyke, be it black or be it white
Mưa tránh chỗ trắng, nắng tránh chỗ đen
Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight; Kiến đen tha trứng lên cao, thế nào red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning cũng có mưa rào rất to
A green Yule makes a fat churchyard Mây xanh thì nắng, mây trắng thì mưa
The devil is not so black as he is painted Trời đang nắng, cỏ gà trắng thì mưa
The color of a cat, whether black or white, is irrelevant as long as it effectively catches mice Just as the weather changes with the clouds, one's environment influences behavior; being close to darkness can lead to negativity, while proximity to light fosters positivity.
In black and white Chó đen giữ mực
Once in a blue moon Đổi trắng thay đen
Between the devil and the deep blue sea Giấy trắng mực đen
Blue are the hills that are far away Xanh vỏ đỏ lòng
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
Giàu ăn ba bữa, khó cũng đỏ lửa ba lần
One white foot, buy him; two white feet, try him; three white feet, look well about him; four white feet, go without him
Lọng vàng che nải chuối xanh, tiếc con chim loan phượng đậu nhành tre khô
None Tua rua mọc, vàng cây héo lá, Tua rua lặn, chết cá chết tôm
None Lửa đã đỏ lại bỏ thêm rơm
Sống được miếng dồi chó, chết được bó vàng tâm
None Ai ăn trầu thì nấy đỏ môi
None Chưa nóng nước đã đỏ gọng
None Vàng đỏ nhọ lòng son
None Xanh nhà hơn già đồng
None Mạ úa cấy lúa chóng xanh
Thà rằng được sẻ trên tay còn hơn được hứa trên mây hạc vàng
Nhất vện, nhì vàng, tam khoang, tứ đốm
Table 3.14: Idioms and Proverbs of English and Vietnamese in the Semantic field of Life Experience
Idioms and proverbs that incorporate color words have been passed down from our ancestors, reflecting their experiences, philosophical concepts, and observations of natural phenomena These expressions also draw from historical contexts and practices in labor, agriculture, and animal husbandry.
The black sheep Mặt sắt đen sì
Black hat Đen đầu thì bỏ, đỏ đầu thì nuôi
Big white chief Mắt trắng dã, môi thâm sì
The white man's burden Thần nanh đỏ mỏ
A white knight Đầu xanh tuổi trẻ
Men in white coats Mặt xanh nanh vàng
White hat Cành vàng lá ngọc
Better dead than red Bảng vàng bia đá
Reds under the bed Khuôn vàng thước ngọc
A blue-eyed boy (girl) Nhân hiền tại mạo, trắng gạo ngon cơm
Blue-blood Cá vàng bụng bọ
Table 3.15: Idioms and Proverbs of English and Vietnamese in the Semantic field of Human alluding
Idioms and proverbs that incorporate color words reflect both the external and internal characteristics of individuals, highlighting cultural nuances in both English and Vietnamese languages These expressions often convey behaviors and sensations, illustrating how color influences perception and meaning within different cultural contexts.
Beat someone black and blue Ăn trắng mặc trơn
Be in someone's black books Lo bò trắng răng
A black look Trắng mắt ra
White wash Đỏ như son
Show the white feather Mặt đỏ như gấc
Bleed someone white Xanh như đít nhái
Paint the town red Mặt vàng như nghệ
A red herring Gan vàng dạ sắt
Red in tooth and claw Đói vàng mắt:
Like a red rag to a bull None
A bolt from the blue None
Do something until you are blue in the face None
Out of the blue None
Like a blue-arsed fly None
Green about (or around or at) the gills None
The green-eyed monster None
Wigs on the green None
Wear the green willow None
Table 3.16: Idioms and Proverbs of English and Vietnamese in the Semantic field of Behaviours and Sensations
The idioms and proverbs reflect emotions such as violence, anger, jealousy, and sadness, with their meanings heavily influenced by the interpretation of the colors involved Each expression conveys a unique perspective shaped by cultural understandings of these colors.
Beyond the black stump Hai bàn tay trắng
Black box Trong ngọc trắng ngà
A black mark against someone Danh lam thắng cảnh
The black market Non xanh nước biếc
In the black Quả xanh gặp nanh sắc
A white lie Xanh cọng, nóng nác
A white hope Đất sỏi có chạch vàng
Mark something with a white stone None
The wide (wild) blue yonder None
Table 3.17: Idioms and Proverbs of English and Vietnamese in the Semantic field of a Particular Conception
Idioms and proverbs denoting colour expressing a particular conception can refer to a place, an idea, or simply an object
Table 3.18: Frequency of semantic fields of English and Vietnamese idioms and proverbs denoting colour
The colour tone of something 2 3% 1 2%
The data reveals a distinct contrast in the semantic fields of idioms and proverbs between English and Vietnamese English idioms predominantly emphasize behavioral and sensational aspects (35.8%) and specific concepts (26.9%), whereas Vietnamese idioms are largely centered on life experiences related to weather and nature (44%) Notably, both languages exhibit a similarity in their use of color-related idioms and proverbs, with 11 shared occurrences that reference human experiences.
S IMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES IN SYNTACTIC AND SEMANTIC
1 Similarities in syntactic and semantic features between idioms and proverbs denoting colour in English and Vietnamese a Syntactic features
Idioms and proverbs are primarily composed of fixed phrases that cannot be altered without losing their intended meaning For instance, the expression "The green-eyed monster" refers to jealousy and cannot be modified; changing it to "The monster has green eyes" shifts the meaning to a literal description of a monster Thus, the integrity of these expressions relies on their unchangeable structure, which is essential for conveying their specific meanings.
Both English and Vietnamese feature numerous idioms and proverbs structured as noun phrases Additionally, both languages share a similar structure of "N/ NP + N/ NP" in their noun phrases Furthermore, the construction of simple and comparative sentences in both languages exhibits notable similarities.
Semantically, both English and Vietnamese have idioms and proverbs with literal meaning and also figurative idioms and proverbs - attached to rhetorical devices
Despite cultural and linguistic differences, idioms and proverbs related to color in both languages share a commonality in expressing five key concepts: the color tone of objects, life experiences, human characteristics, behaviors and sensations, and a specific worldview.
The first is that the similarities, dismissed those characteristics, we are able to see the sameness in the colour tone concept in a number of the subsequent idioms and proverbs:
• (As) white as a sheet / ghost: Trắng bệch như ma, trắng như tờ giấy
• Red as a beetroot: đỏ như gấc
• Đen như cột nhà cháy: As black as pitch
In addition, there are also some idioms and proverbs in both languages that carry a symbolic meaning of a specific colour, such as the subsequent cases:
• Black indicates an item: "Black box" in English and "Hộp đen" in Vietnamese
• Black and white indicate one thing that has been officially created: "giấy trắng mực đen" is the same as "in black and white "
• Red is used as a warning: "Red alert" means "Báo động đỏ" in Vietnamese
• Green shows weakness through the external expression: "Green about (or around or at) the gills" mean "Xanh như tàu lá chuối"
2 Differences in syntactic and semantic features between idioms and proverbs denoting colour in English and Vietnamese a Syntactic features
The analysis of the data reveals that English idioms and proverbs related to color are evenly distributed across eight basic syntactic structures In contrast, Vietnamese lacks idioms and proverbs in the forms of adverb phrases and prepositional phrases, likely due to differing syntax rules between the two languages In Vietnamese, idioms and proverbs often treat adverbs and prepositions as complements that enhance the authenticity of sentences, making it challenging to encapsulate their meanings within these structures.
Idioms and proverbs in English are typically fixed phrases that maintain their structure; however, some expressions related to color can exhibit slight variations without altering their meaning For instance, "The wide blue yonder" can be modified to "The wild blue yonder," and "Green about the gills" can also be expressed as "Green around (at) the gills."
Both languages feature idioms and proverbs that, while using different color words, convey similar meanings For example, the phrase "Show the white feather" signifies weakness and a lack of courage in English, whereas in Vietnamese, this concept is expressed through the colors green and yellow, as seen in expressions like "xanh như đít nhái" and "mặt vàng như nghệ."
While color idioms and proverbs in both languages share certain similarities, they also exhibit distinct differences influenced by cultural, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Unlike the proverb "Red sky at night, shepherd's delight; red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning," which reflects ancient weather wisdom, the Vietnamese equivalent "Ráng vàng thì nắng, ráng trắng thì mưa" conveys a similar meaning The saying "A green Yule makes a fat churchyard" highlights the dangers of unseasonably warm winters, a phenomenon that lacks a direct Vietnamese counterpart, possibly due to Vietnam's tropical climate where snow and freezing temperatures are rare However, Vietnamese proverbs like "Đầu năm sương muối, cuối năm gió nồm" also address erratic weather patterns.
Vietnamese idioms and proverbs often reflect a rustic charm, particularly through their emphasis on agricultural themes and colors For instance, expressions like "Xanh nhà hơn già đồng" and "Mạ úa cấy lúa chóng xanh" highlight the deep connection between language and the agricultural lifestyle in Vietnam, contrasting with the more socially oriented nature of English idioms and proverbs.
When comparing the idioms and proverbs of different cultures, it's essential to highlight the use of rhetorical devices such as metaphor, metonymy, simile, and personification For instance, the Vietnamese idiom "Xanh vỏ đỏ lòng" employs metaphor to illustrate how the green exterior and red interior of a watermelon symbolize situations where outward appearances contradict true essence While there is no direct English equivalent, the phrases "You can't judge a book by its cover" and "A wolf in sheep's clothing" effectively convey a similar meaning.
The comparison of idioms and proverbs related to color between English and Vietnamese presents significant challenges due to the distinct cultural differences between the East and West To gain a comprehensive understanding of these expressions, it is essential to analyze them through two main criteria: syntax and semantics This approach allows for a deeper exploration of both the external structure and the underlying meanings of these phrases.
IETNAMESE
CONCLUSION
After analyzing and comparing the syntactic and semantic characteristics of idioms and proverbs related to six colors in both English and Vietnamese, we can conclude with several key insights.
The idioms and proverbs in both languages can be categorized into eight basic structural types, with noun phrase structures being the most prevalent In Vietnamese, there is an absence of color idioms and proverbs that utilize adverbial and prepositional phrase structures due to specific syntactic rules These expressions predominantly exist as fixed phrases, which must remain unchanged to preserve their core meanings While English does allow for some exceptions, any alterations tend to be minimal and do not significantly affect the overall sentence structure.
Idioms and proverbs related to color in English and Vietnamese reflect distinct cultural conceptions, revealing both similarities and differences While both languages may convey similar tones or meanings associated with specific colors, cultural, lifestyle, and climatic variations lead to notable discrepancies For example, the color blue signifies agitation in the English expression "Scream blue murder," whereas in Vietnamese, it symbolizes peace without the same connotation Additionally, the rhetorical use of color in idioms and proverbs further highlights these differences.
2 Concluding remarks a Concluding remarks on objective 1
- Describing the syntactic and semantic features of idioms and proverbs denoting colours in English with reference to the Vietnamese equivalents
Idioms and proverbs typically follow a fixed phrase structure, although variations in sentence structure may occur In both English and Vietnamese, certain words within these fixed phrases can sometimes be altered without significantly changing their meaning However, it is important to note that there are notable syntactic differences in the idioms and proverbs of each language.
Idioms and proverbs possess both literal and figurative meanings Their literal meanings can be easily grasped through the individual words, while their figurative meanings often utilize rhetorical devices such as metaphor, metonymy, simile, and personification Additionally, these expressions can be analyzed through specific semantic fields, including those related to humans and objects.
- Comparing and contrasting syntactic and semantic features of idioms and proverbs denoting colours in English with reference to the Vietnamese equivalents
Both idioms and proverbs in Vietnamese and English share similarities in their syntactic features, primarily existing as fixed phrases that resist alteration The predominant structure in both languages is noun phrases, with some structural similarities observed However, a notable difference is that Vietnamese lacks idioms and proverbs formed from adverb phrases and prepositional phrases, while English allows for minor structural variations in its idioms and proverbs.
Both English and Vietnamese feature idioms and proverbs that encompass both literal and figurative meanings, often employing rhetorical devices There is a notable similarity in the semantic fields of these languages, particularly in idioms and proverbs related to color symbolism However, differences also exist; some idioms may share similar meanings without using identical color words Additionally, variations in color-related idioms and proverbs arise from cultural influences, lifestyle differences, and natural conditions A significant distinction between the two cultures is the use of rhetorical devices in their idiomatic expressions.
3 Implications a In teaching and learning
This research provides teachers and learners with a deeper understanding of idioms and proverbs related to color in both English and Vietnamese, facilitating their application in educational contexts It emphasizes the importance of studying and teaching these expressions within context to accurately convey their syntactic and semantic features Furthermore, learners can utilize color-related idioms and proverbs to enhance their understanding of the cultures, lifestyles, and people of both countries, particularly in interpretation and translation.
From the results of the study, we can draw some necessary notes for translation and interpretation as follows:
It takes a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the culture together with the concept of colour in both languages correctly
Translate idioms and proverbs by context, not word by word
It takes practice to translate many and a variety of documents to gain a good understanding of the two cultures and to overcome common mistakes in translation work
4 Limitation of the current research
Although the research has been completed, there are still some obstacles within the implementation process, such as:
The data source is not really complete because the documents on colour idioms and proverbs are so large and diverse that it is difficult to control
The analysis of the data is confusing and some examples that are quite difficult to do
The concept of each colour type varies greatly in each language
Failing to achieve a deep understanding of cultural issues that exist in idioms and proverbs of English and Vietnamese
This study highlights the extensive yet superficial analysis of idioms and proverbs related to specific colors, indicating that the structures and nuanced meanings of these colors remain underexplored It emphasizes the need for further research on idioms and proverbs, particularly those associated with color, to uncover additional dimensions in future studies.
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APPENDIX English idioms and proverbs denoting colour with Vietnamese equivalents Black colour:
1 The devil is not so black as he is painted Thần hồn nát thần tính
2 It doesn't matter a cat is black or white as long as it catches mice
Mèo đen hay mèo trắng không quan trọng, quan trọng là bắt được chuột
3 Two blacks don't make a white Hai đen không thành một trắng
4 February fill dyke, be it black or be it white
Tháng 2 tràn đê, đầy bùn đen hay tuyết trắng
5 Beat someone black and blue Đánh ai đó bầm tím
6 Be in someone's black books Ghét ai đó
7 Beyond the black stump Vùng xa xôi hẻo lánh, biệt lập, thiếu văn minh
9 A black mark against someone Một vết nhơ chống lại ai đó
10 The black sheep Người cá biệt, gây thất vọng
11 A black look Nhìn giận dữ, lườm
12 The black market Chợ đen
13 In the black Ăn nên làm ra, dư giả
14 Black hat Kẻ xấu, nhân vật phản diện
1 Big white chief Người (da trắng) quan trọng, người thành công
2 In black and white Giấy trắng mực đen
3 A white lie Lời nói dối vô hại
4 A white hope Niềm hy vọng
5 (As) white as a sheet / ghost Trắng bệch như ma, trắng như tờ giấy
6 The white flag Cờ trắng (xin đầu hàng)
7 White wash Tẩy trắng, che đậy sự thật
8 The white man's burden Gánh nặng của người da trắng
9 A white elephant Vô dụng, tốn kém
10 Show the white feather Cư xử hèn nhát, yếu đuối
11 A white knight Hiệp sĩ trắng
12 Men in white coats Chuyên gia y tế tại các viện tâm thần
13 Mark something with a white stone Điều thuận lợi, may mắn
14 Bleed someone white Uống nước cả cặn
One white foot, buy him; two white feet, try him; three white feet, look well about him; four white feet, go without him
Ngựa một chân trắng thì mua ngay; nếu có hai chân trắng, hãy cưỡi thử trước; với ba chân trắng, cần xem xét kỹ lưỡng; còn nếu có bốn chân trắng, tốt nhất là không nên mua.
1 Better dead than red Khẩu hiệu phản đối đảng cộng sản thời chiến tranh lạnh
2 In the red Nợ nần chồng chất
3 Red alert Báo động đỏ
4 Red tape Thói quan liêu
5 Paint the town red Ăn mừng tưng bừng
6 Red as a beetroot Đỏ như gấc
7 A red herring Đánh trống lảng
8 Red in tooth and claw Đánh nhau dữ dội, cấu xé nhau
9 A red - letter day Ngày đáng nhớ
10 Like a red rag to a bull Làm ai đó nổi giận
11 Reds under the bed Đảng cộng sản núp gầm giường
12 See red Trở nên rất tức giận
13 Red-light district Phố đèn đỏ
Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight; red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning
Ráng vàng thì nắng ráng trắng thì mưa, Vàng mây thì gió, đỏ mây thì mưa
1 Between the devil and the deep blue sea Tiến thoái lưỡng nan
2 A bolt from the blue Sét đánh ngang tai
3 Do something until you are blue in the face Mặt xanh xám; giận tím mặt
4 Once in a blue moon Năm thì mười họa
5 Out of the blue Bất ngờ
6 Scream blue murder Cực lực phản đối
7 Talk a blue streak Nói liến thoắng liên hồi
8 True blue Hoàn toàn đáng tin cậy và trung thành
9 Like a blue-arsed fly Tay năm tay mười
10 The wide (wild) blue yonder Một nơi xa xôi, hẻo lánh, bí ẩn
11 A blue-eyed boy (girl) Con cưng của ai đó
12 Blue-blood Người có máu mặt/ thế lực
13 Blue-sky research Thứ viển vông, trên trời
14 Blue are the hills that are far away Đứng núi này trông núi nọ
1 The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence Đứng núi này trông núi nọ
2 Green about (or around or at) the gills Xanh như tàu lá chuối
3 Green light Đèn xanh, sự cho phép
4 Green with envy Ghen ăn tức ở
5 The green-eyed monster Sự ghen tị, ghen tuông
6 Wigs on the green Đánh nhau, chiến đấu, ẩu đả
7 Wear the green willow Buồn chuyện tình cảm
8 A green Yule makes a fat churchyard Đầu năm sương muối, cuối năm gió nồm
1 A yellow streak Tính nhát gan
Vietnamese idioms and proverbs denoting colour with English equivalents Black colour:
1 Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì rạng
Tell me the company you keep, and i will tell you what you see
2 Mưa tránh chỗ trắng, nắng tránh chỗ đen
Rain avoids the white, the sun avoids the black
3 Đổi trắng thay đen Call white black
4 Đen như cột nhà cháy As black as pitch
5 Mặt sắt đen sì Black iron face
6 Kiến đen tha trứng lên cao, thế nào cũng có mưa rào rất to
Black ants carry eggs up high, there will be heavy showers
7 Giấy trắng mực đen In black and white
8 Chó đen giữ mực Black dogs don't turn white
9 Đen đầu thì bỏ, đỏ đầu thì nuôi New one in, old one out
1 Mây xanh thì nắng, mây trắng thì mưa
Blue clouds are sunny, white clouds are rainy
2 Trời đang nắng, cỏ gà trắng thì mưa
On sunny summer days, if the roots of the couch-grass turn white, it will rain
3 Hai bàn tay trắng From scratch
4 Ăn trắng mặc trơn To live in clove
5 Mắt trắng dã, môi thâm sì White pale eyes and blue, black lips
6 Nhân hiền tại mạo, trắng gạo ngon cơm
A good face is a letter of recommendation
7 Lo bò trắng răng Shape the coat for the moon
8 Trắng mắt ra Got a shock coming
9 Trong ngọc trắng ngà Clear as ice and clean as jade
1 Xanh vỏ đỏ lòng - You can't judge a book by its cover
2 Giàu ăn ba bữa, khó cũng đỏ lửa ba lần
The rich eat three meals, the poor also eat three times
3 Lửa đã đỏ lại bỏ thêm rơm Add fuel to the fire
4 Ai ăn trầu thì nấy đỏ môi The culprit must pay for the damage
5 Chưa nóng nước đã đỏ gọng Put the cart before the horse
6 Đỏ như son As red as a beet
7 Mặt đỏ như gấc Red as a beetroot
8 Thần nanh đỏ mỏ Pain in the neck
9 Vàng đỏ nhọ lòng son An open door may tempt a saint
1 Danh lam thắng cảnh Beauty spot, famous landscape
1 Xanh nhà hơn già đồng Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow
2 Đầu xanh tuổi trẻ Salad-days
3 Xanh như đít nhái As green as a fresh pickled toad
4 Mạ úa cấy lúa chóng xanh Seedlings wilted; rice transplanted quickly green
5 Mặt xanh nanh vàng Ferocious-looking
6 Non xanh nước biếc Natural beauty
7 Quả xanh gặp nanh sắc Diamond cuts diamond
Lọng vàng che nải chuối xanh, tiếc con chim loan phượng đậu nhành tre khô
A big fish in a little pond
9 Xanh cọng, nóng nác Haste make waste
1 Đất sỏi có chạch vàng Arid and poor places contain precious treasures and good people
2 Vàng mây thì gió, đỏ mây thì mưa
Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight; red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning
3 Sống được miếng dồi chó
Chết được bó vàng tâm The best is enemy of the good
4 Cành vàng lá ngọc Blue-blooded
5 Cá vàng bụng bọ A fair face may hide a foul heart
6 Nhất vện, nhì vàng, tam khoang, tứ đốm
First place dogs with brindle fur, second place dogs with yellow fur, thrird place dogs with tricolor fur,
