Culture and History Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering cultural, historical, and societal vocabulary terms along with their definitions, usages, and contextual collocations.

historic (adj)

Famous or important in history; having great significance
(Vietnamese: mang tính lịch sử).

The signing of the peace treaty: Việc ký hiệp định hòa bình  was a historic victory.

Sending humans to the Moon was a historic achievement that revolutionized: cách mạng hóa our understanding of the universe.

host (v)

To organize, hold, or provide the facilities for an event
(Vietnamese: đăng cai, tổ chức).

patterns (n)

Repeated forms, sequences, or regular tendencies
(Vietnamese: mẫu hình, xu hướng lặp lại);

Working late affects sleep patterns negatively, leading to long-term health issues. 

counterpart (n)

A person or thing holding a corresponding position or performing an equivalent function in another place or organization
(Vietnamese: đồng cấp, người/vật ở vị trí tương đương).

Vietnamese students often work harder than their foreign counterparts.

preserve (v)

To keep something in its original state or in good condition; to maintain cultural identity or traditional crafts
(Vietnamese: bảo tồn, gìn giữ).

This village preserve its traditional weaving craft to maintain its unique cultural identity.

display (v)

To exhibit an object publicly, or to show and express a particular feeling or quality
(Vietnamese: trưng bày một vật thể; thể hiện ra cảm xúc, phẩm chất).

run-down (adj)

In very bad condition, neglected, or dilapidated
(Vietnamese: tồi tàn, ốm yếu, xuống cấp);

He grew up in a run-down neighborhood where the infrastructure was poorly maintained

take place (v phr)

To happen or occur
(Vietnamese: diễn ra).

worship (v)

To show religious devotion, reverence, or adoration to a deity, sacred entity, or hero
(Vietnamese: thờ cúng, tôn thờ, sùng bái).

around the corner (idiom)

Happening very soon; approaching near in time
(Vietnamese: sắp xảy ra, sắp tới).

The year-end festival is just around the corner, so everyone is busy preparing for upcoming celebrations.

symbolize (v)

To represent or stand for something as a symbol
(Vietnamese: tượng trưng cho cái gì).

altar (n)

A raised structure or table used for religious ceremonies and for placing offerings
(Vietnamese: bàn thờ).

place offerings on the altar

feast (n)

A large, elaborate meal or banquet, typically held to celebrate a special occasion (
Vietnamese: bữa tiệc lớn, bữa ăn thịnh soạn);

The villagers hold a big fest to celebrate the bumper harvest

blessing (n)

An expression or prayer of good wishes, favor, or approval (Vietnamese: lời chúc, phước lành);

The bride and groom receive many heartfelt blessings form both sets of parents during the wedding ceremony

festive (adj)

Cheerful, joyous, and characteristic of a festival or celebration (Vietnamese: vui tươi, mang không khí lễ hội);

The whole neighborhood is filled with a festive atmosphere before Tet holidays

unity (n)

The state of being joined together or in agreement as a harmonious whole (Vietnamese: sự đoàn kết).

pray (v)

To address a solemn request or expression of thanks to a deity or object of worship
(Vietnamese: cầu nguyện);

My grandma prays for her family’s well-being every night before going to sleep.

typical (adj)

Having the distinctive qualities or characteristics of a particular type, group, or person
(Vietnamese: điển hình, đặc trưng)
('typical of').

renowned (adj)

Known or talked about by many people; famous and celebrated (Vietnamese: nổi tiếng, danh tiếng lớn);

Hoi An is renowned for its rich cultural heritagge and historical monuments

heritage (n)

Valued traditions, monuments, and natural sites passed down from previous generations
(Vietnamese: di sản)

Ha Long bay is a world natural heritage site that attracts millions of visitors annually