gài cửa

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The Vietnamese word "gài cửa" is a verb that means "to bolt a door." This action involves securing a door so that it cannot be easily opened from the outside, providing safety and privacy.

Usage Instructions:

• "Gài cửa" is typically used when you want to ensure that a door is locked or secured properly.
• It is commonly used in both everyday conversation and written contexts when discussing security or safety measures.

Example:

• Simple Sentence: "Trước khi đi ngủ, tôi luôn gài cửa." (Before going to sleep, I always bolt the door.)

Advanced Usage:

• In a more advanced context, "gài cửa" can also refer to metaphorically securing something in your life, such as your emotions or personal space.
• Example: "Cô ấy cần phải gài cửa cảm xúc của mình lại." (She needs to bolt her emotions.)

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "gài cửa," but you might encounter related phrases such as:
  • "Khóa cửa" (to lock the door) - which is slightly different as it implies using a key or lock mechanism.

Different Meaning:

• "Gài" on its own can mean to "fasten" or "attach," while "cửa" means "door." So, "gài cửa" specifically refers to the act of fastening the door to secure it.

Synonyms:

• "Khóa cửa" (to lock the door) - This is a more general term for securing a door, but it may imply using a key.
• "Đóng cửa" (to close the door) - While this simply means to close the door, it can also imply that the door is no longer open to entry, though it doesn't specifically mean it is locked or bolted.

Academic

verb

1. to bolt a door