cáo

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The Vietnamese word "cáo" has several meanings and uses, making it a versatile term in the language. Here’s an easy breakdown for you:

Meanings and Usage

1. Noun (Royal Edict-like Announcement):

   • In historical contexts, "cáo" refers to a formal announcement or proclamation, similar to a royal edict. For example, "Nguyễn Trãi viết bài cáo Bình Ngô" means "Nguyễn Trãi wrote the edict-like announcement about the defeat of the feudal Chinese invaders."
   • Usage: You would use "cáo" in formal or historical discussions when referring to important announcements or declarations.

2. Noun (Fox):

   • "Cáo" also means "fox," the animal known for its cleverness and cunning nature. For instance, "Cáo bắt gà" translates to "Foxes catch fowls."
   • Usage: This meaning is used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about animals or using metaphors for cleverness.

3. Noun (Cunning Person):

   • The term can also describe someone who is cunning or sly, often used in a metaphorical sense. For example, "bọn thực dân cáo già" means "the foxy colonialists," referring to colonialists who are clever and crafty in their actions.
   • Usage: This is commonly used in political or social discussions to characterize people or groups.

4. Verb:

   • As a verb, "cáo" means "to submit" (to a higher authority, often in the context of submitting to Mandarin rule) or "to pretext" or "to invoke as an excuse." For example, "Cáo ốm không dự hội nghị" means "I submitted that I was sick and could not attend the conference."
   • Usage: This usage is often found in formal or bureaucratic language, particularly in discussions about governance or authority.

Advanced Usage

In literature or rhetorical contexts, "cáo" can be used to illustrate themes of deception, cleverness, or the power of proclamation, enriching the narrative with deeper meanings.

Word Variants

• There are no direct variants of "cáo" in Vietnamese, but it is often used in combinations with other words to form phrases that describe cunning or cleverness.

Synonyms

• For the animal meaning, synonyms include "chồn" (another type of sly animal, often translated as "weasel").
• For the cunning person meaning, you might use "khôn ngoan" (wise) or "mưu mẹo" (cunning).

Different Meanings

• "Cáo" can refer both to a physical animal (fox) and a metaphorical trait (cunning), depending on the context. It's important to pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.

Academic

noun

1. Royal edict-like announcement
   • Nguyễn Trãi viết bài cáo bình Ngô
     Nguyen Trai wrote the edict-like announcement about the defeat of the feudal Chinese invaders
2. Fox
   • cáo bắt gà
     foxes catch fowls
   • bọn thựcdân cáo già
     the foxy colonialists
   • mèo già hoá cáo
     at length the cat turns fox; no man is his craft's master first day; use makes mastery; practice makes perfect

verb

1. To submit (to mandarin)
2. To pretext, to invoke as excuse
   • cáo ốm không dự hội nghị