The Vietnamese word "cảo bản" is a noun that translates to "manuscript" in English. A manuscript refers to a written document, especially one that is not yet published or printed. It can be a draft of a book, article, or any other piece of writing.
In more advanced contexts, "cảo bản" can refer to different versions of a written work. For example, you might discuss the "cảo bản sơ khởi" (initial manuscript) or "cảo bản cuối cùng" (final manuscript) to indicate various stages of writing.
While "cảo bản" primarily refers to a manuscript, in some contexts, it can also imply a draft or preliminary version of a document, such as a report or proposal.