kim chỉ nam
noun
Hanoi [kim˧˧ t͡ɕi˧˩ naːm˧˧]Huế [kim˧˧ t͡ɕɪj˧˨ naːm˧˧]Saigon [kim˧˧ cɪj˨˩˦ naːm˧˧] browser voice
Each syllable carries one of six tones; the mark on the vowel tells you which. How the six tones sound →
kim chỉ nam means a compass.
Meanings of kim chỉ nam in English
Noun
- literal the magnetic needle of a compass
- figurative a compass ≈ la bàn
- figurative, formal a guide; touchstone; lodestar; benchmark
Etymology
kim (“needle”) + chỉ nam (“guide”), calque of Chinese 指南針 /指南针 (chỉ nam châm, “compass”, literally “southward needle”).
Frequently asked questions
What does kim chỉ nam mean in English?
kim chỉ nam (noun) means "a compass".
How do you pronounce kim chỉ nam?
IPA: Hanoi [kim˧˧ t͡ɕi˧˩ naːm˧˧]; Saigon [kim˧˧ cɪj˨˩˦ naːm˧˧]. Tones: kim — level tone (ngang), chỉ — dipping tone (hỏi), nam — level tone (ngang).