khảo

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The Vietnamese word "khảo" primarily functions as a verb and can be understood in a couple of different contexts:

Basic Meaning:

1. To Torture: In this sense, "khảo" refers to the act of inflicting pain or suffering on someone, often for the purpose of obtaining information or forcing a confession. This usage is more common in literature or discussions about crime and punishment.

2. To Extort: "Khảo" can also mean to obtain something through force, threats, or intimidation, particularly money or information.

Usage Instructions:

• "Khảo" is used in formal or serious contexts, often related to law enforcement, crime, or historical discussions.
• It is not commonly used in everyday conversation, as it carries a heavy and negative connotation.

Examples:

1. Khảo (to Torture):

   • "Họ đã khảo người bị tình nghi để lấy thông tin."
   • Translation: "They tortured the suspect to obtain information."

2. Khảo (to Extort):

   • "Bọn tội phạm đã khảo tiền từ nạn nhân."
   • Translation: "The criminals extorted money from the victim."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "khảo" can be used in legal or historical discussions about methods of interrogation or torture used in various regimes. It may also appear in literature to describe the moral implications of torture and extortion.

Word Variants:

• "Khảo cổ" (archaeology): This term combines "khảo" with "cổ" (ancient), which means studying ancient cultures and societies. However, this usage is unrelated to the meanings of torture or extortion.
• "Khảo sát" (survey): This term means to survey or assess, showing that "khảo" can also imply investigation, but in a more neutral sense.

Different Meanings:

While "khảo" is primarily associated with negative actions like torture and extortion, it can appear in different contexts that imply investigation or examination (as seen in "khảo sát"). However, those meanings are not as commonly related to the word's core definitions.

Synonyms:

• Torture: "tra tấn" (to torment)
• Extort: "cưỡng đoạt" (to seize by force)

Conclusion:

Understanding "khảo" is essential for grasping discussions about serious subjects such as crime and punishment in Vietnamese culture.

Academic

verb

1. to torture; to extort