TURANDOT

The characters from Turandot are going to introduce themselves.

Please, greet them with a warm welcome!

Calaf

My name is Calaf. I was born the Prince of Tartary. I am an old man now, but when I was young I experienced a great challenge. I lost a friend, but I changed the life of a very special person. Do you like riddles? I do.

experience (v): trải qua

challenge (n): thách thức, thử thách

riddle (n): câu đố

Princess Turandot

My name is Princess Turandot. Many men ask for my hand, but I refuse to marry them. I think it is important to honor our ancestors, don’t you? If you wish to marry me, you must be very clever or else you will pay the price!

ask for one’s hand: hỏi cưới ai

honor (v): tôn kính, tưởng nhớ

ancestor (n): tổ tiên

or else: nếu không thì…

pay a price: trả giá

King Timur

My name is King Timur. I lost my country in war and my sight while fleeing. I am searching for my son, Calaf. We were separated following the war. Luckily I have Liu, my servant, to guide me. What would I do without her?

sight (n): thị lực

flee (v): chạy trốn

search for someone/something: tìm kiếm ai/cái gì

separate (v): chia cách

following (prep): sau

guide (v): dẫn đường

Liu

My name is Liu. I am King Timur’s servant. After the war I took care of the King. It is my duty to look after the King and his family. I am very fond of Calaf, and I hope we can find him soon.

take care of someone (= look after): chăm sóc ai

duty (n): bổn phận, công việc

be fond of someone: thích, yêu quý ai