cải lương

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The Vietnamese word "cải lương" has a few different meanings and uses, which can be understood in different contexts. Here’s a breakdown for you:

Basic Meaning

1. As a Verb: "Cải lương" means "to improve" or "to reform." It often refers to enhancing something to make it better.

   • Example: "Cải lương giống lúa" means "to improve a rice strain."
   • Example: "Cải lương đàn gia súc" means "to improve a herd of domestic animals."

2. As an Adjective: It can describe something that is reformist or related to improvement.

   • Example: "Tư tưởng cải lương" means "reformist ideology."
   • Example: "Những tổ chức cải lương" means "reformist organizations."

3. As a Noun: It refers to the concept of reform itself.

   • Example: "Cải lương hương chính" means "rural reform."

Advanced Usage

In a historical context, "cải lương" can also refer to a specific type of traditional Vietnamese theater that emerged in the southern regions of Vietnam. This form of theater combines music, drama, and dance, often focusing on social issues and stories from Vietnamese folklore.

Word Variants

• Cải cách: This is another term related to reform, which can be used interchangeably in some contexts.
• Cải tạo: Means "to rebuild" or "to transform," often used in the context of improving living conditions or structures.

Different Meaning

• In the context of theater, "cải lương" specifically refers to the genre of performance art, so it’s important to distinguish between the verb/adjective use and the noun related to traditional theater.

Synonyms

• Cải cách: Similar in meaning to reform or to improve.
• Đổi mới: This means "to innovate" or "to renew," which can be used in similar contexts as improvement or reform.

Usage Instructions

When using "cải lương," consider the context of your sentence. If you are talking about improving something (like agriculture or livestock), use it as a verb. If you are discussing ideas or organizations that focus on reform, use it as an adjective. If you're referring to the concept of reform itself, use it as a noun.

Conclusion

"Cải lương" is a versatile word in Vietnamese that can apply to various contexts, from agriculture to social ideologies to the arts.

Academic

verb

1. To improve, to reform
   • cải lương giống lúa
     to improve a rice strain
   • cải lương đàn gia súc
     to improve a herd of domestic animals

adj

1. Reformist
   • tư tưởng cải lương
     reformist ideology
   • những tổ chức cải lương
     reformist organizations

noun

1. Reform
   • cải lương hương chính
     rural reform (thời phong kiến và thuộc Pháp)
2. Reformed theatre in the South Vietnam