còi

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The Vietnamese word "còi" can be understood in a few different contexts, making it an interesting word to learn.

Basic Meaning

1. Noun: "còi" primarily means "hooter," "whistle," or "siren." It refers to a device that produces a loud sound, often used to get attention or signal something.

Usage Instructions

• You can use "còi" to refer to any kind of whistle or siren, whether it's for sports, traffic, or alarms.

Examples

• thổi còi: This means "to blow a whistle." For example, a referee might "thổi còi" at the end of a game.
• bóp còi ô tô: This phrase means "to honk the car horn." When you want to alert someone while driving, you would "bóp còi."
• kéo còi báo động: This means "to sound the alert (siren)." For instance, emergency vehicles use a loud "còi" to warn others to clear the way.
• còi tàu hoả: This translates to "a train's whistle." It's the sound a train makes when it approaches a station.

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "còi" can also be used metaphorically. For example, if someone says "còi cọc," it can describe a person or thing that is stunted or underdeveloped.

Word Variants

• "còi cọc": This variant means "stunted" or "undersized," often describing a person or an object that is not fully developed.

Different Meanings

• As a noun: "còi" mainly refers to whistles or sirens.
• As an adjective: It can describe something that is stunted or underdeveloped.

Synonyms

• Some synonyms for "còi" in the context of a whistle or siren include:
  • "tiếng kêu" (the sound)
  • "tiếng thổi" (the blow/sound of blowing)

Summary

So, "còi" is a versatile word in Vietnamese that mainly refers to devices that make loud sounds, like whistles or sirens, but can also have metaphorical meanings related to being stunted or underdeveloped.

Academic

noun

1. Hooter, whistle, siren
   • thổi còi
     to blow a whistle
   • bóp còi ô tô
     to work one's car hooter, to hoot
   • kéo còi báo động
     to sound the alert (siren)
   • còi tàu hoả
     a train's whistle

adj

1. Stunted