cạo

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The Vietnamese word "cạo" is a versatile verb that means "to shave" or "to scrape." It can be used in various contexts, both literal and figurative. Here’s a detailed explanation for new learners:

Basic Meaning:

1. To Shave: This is the most common meaning of "cạo," which refers to removing hair from the skin, especially facial hair.

   • Example: "Cạo râu" means "to shave (one's) beard" or simply "to shave."

2. To Scrape: "Cạo" can also mean to scrape off something from a surface.

   • Example: "Cạo lớp sơn" means "to scrape a layer of paint."

Usage Instructions:

• When to use "cạo": Use "cạo" when you want to describe the action of shaving hair or scraping a surface.
• Forming phrases: You can combine "cạo" with other words to specify what you are shaving or scraping.

Examples:

1. Cạo râu: Shaving one's beard.

   • Example Sentence: "Mỗi sáng tôi thường cạo râu." (Every morning, I usually shave my beard.)

2. Cạo lớp sơn: Scraping off paint.

   • Example Sentence: "Tôi cần cạo lớp sơn cũ trên tường." (I need to scrape off the old paint on the wall.)

3. Cạo nồi: Scraping a pot.

   • Example Sentence: "Cô ấy đang cạo nồi để làm sạch nó." (She is scraping the pot to clean it.)

Advanced Usage:

• Figurative Meaning: "Cạo" can also be used in a figurative sense to mean giving someone a talking-to or scolding them.
  • Example: "Bị cạo một trận" means "to get a talking-to."
  • Example Sentence: "Anh ấy bị sếp cạo một trận vì đến muộn." (He got a talking-to from the boss for being late.)

Word Variants:

• Related words include:
  • Cạo trọc: Referring to being completely shaved or having a clean-shaven head.

Different Meanings:

• Literal vs. Figurative: While "cạo" primarily means to shave or scrape, it can also imply a reprimand or scolding in specific contexts.

Synonyms:

• For "cạo" in the context of shaving, you might use:
  • Cắt (to cut): Used more generally for cutting hair.

Academic

verb

1. To shave
   • cạo râu
     to shave oneself
   • đầu cạo trọc
     a clean-shaven head
2. To scrape
   • cạo lớp sơn
     to scrape a layer of paint
   • cạo nồi
     to scrape a pot
3. To give a talking-to to; to talk to, to dress down
   • bị cạo một trận
     to get a talking-to