cải

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "cải" can function as both a noun and a verb, and it has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

As a Noun:

1. Cabbage: In this context, "cải" refers to a type of leafy vegetable commonly known as cabbage. It’s often used in Vietnamese cuisine, such as in stir-fries or soups.
   • Example: "Canh cải" means cabbage soup.

As a Verb:

1. To Change / To Alter: When used as a verb, "cải" means to change or to alter something. It can refer to making alterations in various aspects of life, such as behavior, plans, or even personal details.
   • Example: "Cải cách" means reform or to make changes in a system.

Advanced Usage:

• Cải tên: This phrase means "to change one's name." It can apply to individuals or entities that decide to adopt a new name for personal or legal reasons.
• Cải niên hiệu: Refers to changing the dynastic name of the year, usually in a historical or royal context.
• Cải lão hoàn đồng: This phrase means "to change old age and restore youth," often used metaphorically in literature or discussions about rejuvenation.
• Cải tà quy chính: This means "to turn a new leaf" or "to mend one's ways," indicating a positive change in behavior or attitude.
• Cải tử hoàn sinh: This phrase translates to "to raise from the dead," often used in a dramatic or metaphorical sense, indicating a significant revival or return to life.
• Lụa cải hoa: This refers to silk embroidered in relief with a flower design, showcasing a decorative use of "cải" in textiles.

Word Variants:

• Cải cách: To reform or change a system.
• Cải thiện: To improve or enhance something.

Different Meanings:

• While the primary meanings revolve around change and cabbage, "cải" can also be used in specific compound words that expand its meaning beyond individual contexts.

Synonyms:

• For the verb "to change," synonyms include "thay đổi" (to change) and "biến đổi" (to transform).
• For the noun "cabbage," synonyms might include "bắp cải" (a specific type of cabbage).

Summary:

In summary, "cải" is a versatile word in Vietnamese with meanings that range from a common vegetable (cabbage) to various forms of change or improvement.

Academic

noun

1. Cabbage

verb

1. To change, to alter
   • cải tên
     to change one's name
   • cải niên hiệu
     to change the dynastic name of the year
   • cải lão hoàn đồng
     to change old age and restore youth, to rejuvenate
   • cải tà quy chính
     to turn a new leaf, to mend one's ways
   • cải tử hoàn sinh
     to raise from the dead
2. To plait in relief, to embroider in relief
   • lụa cải hoa
     silk embroidered in relief with a flower design