cháu

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "cháu" is a noun that can refer to several familial relationships. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand its usage:

Basic Meaning

1. Grandchild: "Cháu" can refer to your grandchildren, whether they are grandsons or granddaughters.
2. Nephew/Niece: It can also mean your nephew (the son of your sibling) or niece (the daughter of your sibling).
3. First Cousin Once or Twice Removed: In certain contexts, "cháu" can refer to more distant relatives like first cousins once or twice removed.

Usage Instructions

• The word "cháu" is often used to address younger people in a respectful manner, especially when speaking to elders. For example, an elderly person might refer to themselves as "cháu" when speaking to someone older.
• When asked about children or grandchildren, an elder might say “Ông được mấy cháu?” which translates to "How many grandchildren do you have?"

Examples

1. Talking about grandchildren:
   • "Ông bà có mấy cháu?" (How many grandchildren do you have?)
2. Addressing a younger person:
   • "Cháu có khỏe không?" (How are you, child?)

Advanced Usage

• "Cháu" can also be used in more formal or affectionate contexts to show respect or endearment. For instance, an older person might say, "Cháu yêu ông bà" (I love you, grandparents).
• In a familial gathering, you might hear someone say, "Cháu là con của chị gái tôi" (Cháu is the child of my sister).

Word Variants

• Cháu trai: grandson
• Cháu gái: granddaughter
• Cháu ruột: biological nephew/niece
• Cháu họ: cousin

Different Meanings

• While "cháu" primarily refers to younger relatives, its use can vary based on context. For instance, it can denote any child or young person when speaking to them in a friendly or caring way.

Synonyms

• Depending on context, "cháu" can be synonymous with:
  • Con: child (more general term)
  • Em: younger sibling or younger person (used to refer to someone younger in a friendly way)

Academic

noun

1. Grandchild, grandson, granddaughter
2. Nephew, niece; firstcousin once or twice removed (used for addressing persons of the above said relatives' age or by them when addressing elderly people as self-appellation)
3. Child, children
   • ông được mấy cháu?
     how many children have you got?