The Vietnamese word "cũ" is an adjective that primarily means "old." It can refer to things that are not new, such as objects, clothes, or furniture. It can also describe people in a friendly or affectionate way when referring to long-time friends.
Basic Meaning
Usage Instructions
Examples
Sách cũ: This means "old book" or "second-hand book." You can use it when talking about books that are not new or have been read before.
Bạn cũ: This means "old friend." It refers to someone you have been friends with for a long time.
Advanced Usage
In more advanced contexts, "cũ" can also imply something that is outdated or no longer in fashion. For example, if you say "thời trang cũ," it means "outdated fashion."
Word Variants
Cũ kỹ: This means "worn out" or "old and shabby." It adds an extra layer of meaning, suggesting that something is not just old but also in poor condition.
Cũ xì: This is a colloquial expression meaning "very old" or "very worn out."
Different Meanings
While "cũ" primarily means "old," it can also be used in a more general sense to describe something that is no longer current or popular.
Synonyms
Già: This means "old" as well, but it is more often used to describe people or animals rather than objects.
Lỗi thời: This means "outdated" or "obsolete," which can be used for items or ideas that are no longer in use.
Summary
In summary, "cũ" is a versatile adjective in Vietnamese that primarily means "old" and can be used to describe various objects, books, friends, and even fashion.