cổ lai hi
adjective
Hanoi [ko˧˩ laːj˧˧ hi˧˧]Huế [kow˧˨ laːj˧˧ hɪj˧˧]Saigon [kow˨˩˦ laːj˧˧ hɪj˧˧] browser voice
Each syllable carries one of six tones; the mark on the vowel tells you which. How the six tones sound →
cổ lai hi means rare and longevous.
Meanings of cổ lai hi in English
Adjective
- of age rare and longevous
- Cụ đã quá tuổi cổ lai hi.He has lived such a long life.
Etymology
Sino-Vietnamese word from 古, 來 and 稀, literally "to have been rare since olden times". Originating from 曲江二首 (“Two Poems on Qujiang”) written by 杜甫 (“Du Fu”) in 758 AD, specifically the phrase 人生七十古來稀 /人生七十古来稀 (rénshēng qīshí gǔlái xī, “A lifespan of seventy has been rare since olden times”). Historically, the age of seventy was considered rare.
Frequently asked questions
What does cổ lai hi mean in English?
cổ lai hi (adjective) means "rare and longevous".
How do you pronounce cổ lai hi?
IPA: Hanoi [ko˧˩ laːj˧˧ hi˧˧]; Saigon [kow˨˩˦ laːj˧˧ hɪj˧˧]. Tones: cổ — dipping tone (hỏi), lai — level tone (ngang), hi — level tone (ngang).