co

/kou/

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "co" can be understood in several ways, primarily as a verb. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand its meanings, usage, and variants:

Basic Meaning

1. To Contract/Shrink: When something becomes smaller in size, like fabric after washing.

   • Example: "Vải co lại sau khi giặt." (The cloth shrinks after washing.)

2. To Bend/Curl Up: When something is bent or curled, often used to describe the position of the body.

   • Example: "Ngồi co chân lên ghế." (To sit with a bent leg.)

Usage Instructions

• Use "co" when you want to describe something that changes size (shrinks) or when referring to a body position that involves bending.
• The context is important; ensure you are discussing something physical or a body position.

Advanced Usage

• "Co" can also imply a gradual process, where something changes over time, such as a fabric that shrinks after multiple washes.
• It can be used in a more abstract sense when talking about feelings or situations that become more intense or constricted.

Word Variants

• Co lại: This phrase emphasizes the action of shrinking or contracting.

  • Example: "Cái áo này co lại sau khi giặt." (This shirt shrank after washing.)

• Co chân: Refers specifically to the act of bending one’s legs.

  • Example: "Cô ấy thường co chân khi ngồi." (She often curls her legs when sitting.)

Different Meanings

• In addition to physical contraction or bending, "co" can also be used metaphorically. For instance, you might describe a situation that becomes more tense or restricted as "co lại".

Synonyms

• Co rút: Similar meaning, specifically refers to the action of retracting or shrinking.
• Bẻ cong: To bend (more forcefully or intentionally).

Example Sentences

1. "Tôi thấy quần áo co lại sau khi giặt." (I noticed the clothes shrank after washing.) 2.

Academic

verb

1. To contract, to shrink
   • vải co lại sau khi giặt
     the cloth shrinks after washing
2. To bend, to curl up
   • ngồi co chân lên ghế
     to sit with a bent leg
   • tay duỗi tay co
     an arm stretched and an arm bent