chào

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The Vietnamese word "chào" is a verb that means "to greet" or "to salute." It's a versatile word used in various contexts, primarily for welcoming someone or saying goodbye. Here’s a breakdown of its usage and related expressions.

Basic Usage:

1. Greeting: You can use "chào" when you meet someone. For example:

   • Chào chị, tôi về: "Goodbye madam (miss, sister...), I am going back."
   • This shows a polite way to greet someone when you arrive or when you are leaving.

2. Saying Goodbye: "Chào" can also mean to say farewell. For instance:

   • Chào từ biệt: "To say goodbye."
   • This phrase is often used when parting ways with someone.

Advanced Usage:

1. Chào cờ: This phrase means "to salute the flag," often used in formal or ceremonial contexts, such as in schools or government buildings.

2. Chào hàng: This term means "to solicit customers," typically used in a business context where sellers try to attract buyers to their products.

3. Chào khách: This means "the shopkeeper solicits customers," indicating a friendly approach to welcoming customers into a store.

4. Ngả mũ chào thầy giáo: This phrase translates to "to take off one's hat and greet one's teacher," representing deep respect and greeting in a formal way.

Variants and Related Words:

• Chào mừng: This means "to welcome," often used in contexts where you are welcoming someone to an event or place.
• Chào hỏi: This means "to greet each other," focusing on the act of exchanging greetings between people.

Different Meanings:

While "chào" primarily means to greet, it can also imply soliciting or calling out to attract attention, especially in commerce.

Synonyms:

• Xin chào: A more formal way to say "hello."
• Chào tạm biệt: A phrase meaning "goodbye" with an implication of a temporary parting.

Academic

verb

1. To greet, to salute
   • chào cờ
     to salute the flag
   • chào từ biệt
     to say good-bye
   • ngả mũ chào thầy giáo
     to take off one's hat and greet one's teacher
   • chào chị, tôi về
     good-bye madam (miss, sister...), I am going back
2. To solicit
   • nhà hàng chào khách
     the shopkeeper solicits customers, the shopkeeper solicits people for their custom
   • chào hàng
     to solicit customers to buy one's goods, to solicit custom for one's goods, to cry one's wares