The Vietnamese word "bờ cõi" is a noun that translates to "frontier," "border," or "territory" in English. It refers to the physical boundaries of a country or a region, as well as the concept of a nation’s sovereignty over its land.
Giữ gìn bờ cõi - This phrase means "to protect the country." It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the nation's boundaries.
Đuổi bọn cướp nước ra khỏi bờ cõi - This means "to drive the invaders out of the country." It reflects the idea of resisting external threats to national territory.
In a more nuanced context, "bờ cõi" can also refer to the cultural or emotional boundaries of a nation, not just the physical land. For example, in discussions about national identity or cultural preservation, one might refer to "bờ cõi văn hóa" (cultural borders).
While "bờ cõi" primarily refers to physical boundaries, in a metaphorical sense, it can also denote limits in other areas, such as personal boundaries or limits of influence.