giáp

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The Vietnamese word "giáp" has a couple of important meanings and uses, which can help you understand how to incorporate it into your vocabulary.

Basic Meaning:

1. Noun (Cycle of Twelve Years): In Vietnamese culture, "giáp" is part of a cycle that consists of twelve years, each represented by a different animal (like the Chinese zodiac). This cycle is important in Vietnamese astrology and can influence people's characteristics and fortunes based on their birth year.

   • "Năm Giáp Tý" means the Year of the Rat, which is the first year in the twelve-year cycle.

2. Adjective (Near; Bordering; Adjacent): "Giáp" can also mean something that is close to or next to something else. This is often used to describe locations or physical proximity.

   • "Nhà tôi giáp với trường học" means "My house is adjacent to the school."

Advanced Usage:

• In astrology and fortune-telling, you may encounter phrases like "Tử vi Giáp" which refers to predictions or insights based on the Giáp year.
• When talking about geographical locations, you might use "giáp" in a sentence to describe how two places are situated next to each other.

Word Variants:

• "Giáp" can appear in different contexts with varying meanings. For example, when combined with other words, it can describe specific relationships or characteristics, like "giáp ranh" which means "border" or "adjacent area."

Different Meanings:

• Besides the two main meanings, "giáp" can also be part of compound words:
  • "Giáp ranh": refers to a boundary or border.
  • "Giáp lá": can refer to something that is overlapping or layered.

Synonyms:

• For the noun meaning, synonyms may include terms related to the zodiac or astrological cycles, although "giáp" specifically refers to the twelve-year cycle.
• For the adjective meaning, synonyms could include words like "gần" (near) or "kề" (next to).

Summary:

• "Giáp" as a noun refers to a cycle of twelve years, significant in astrology.
• "Giáp" as an adjective means near, bordering, or adjacent.
• It can be used in various contexts, such as astrology or geography, and has several related terms that expand its meaning.

Academic

noun

1. cycle of twelve years

adj

1. near; bordering; adjacent