khổ

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The Vietnamese word "khổ" can be understood in a few different ways depending on the context in which it is used. Here’s a detailed explanation for new learners:

Meanings:

1. Adjective (Unhappy; Miserable):

   • "Khổ" is often used to describe someone who is feeling sad, unfortunate, or in a difficult situation. For example, if someone is going through a tough time, you might say they are "khổ."

2. Noun (Width; Size):

   • In a different context, "khổ" can refer to the physical dimensions or size of something, particularly its width.

Usage Instructions:

• When using "khổ" to describe emotions, it often appears in sentences that express sympathy or concern for someone's situation.
• When using "khổ" to refer to size, it can be used in contexts involving measurements, especially in discussions about objects or spaces.

Examples:

1. As an adjective:

   • "Cô ấy rất khổ vì mất việc."

2. As a noun:

   • "Khổ của tấm vải này là 1 mét."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or poetry, "khổ" can take on a more nuanced meaning, often conveying a deeper sense of suffering or struggle. For example, a character in a story might describe their "khổ" as a profound emotional state rather than just a temporary feeling of sadness.

Word Variants:

• "Khổ sở": This phrase intensifies the meaning of "khổ," suggesting a greater level of suffering or distress.
• "Khổ cực": This term refers to enduring hardship or difficult conditions.

Different Meanings:

• While "khổ" primarily conveys feelings of unhappiness or describes size, it can also be used in idiomatic expressions. For example, "khổ tâm" means to suffer emotionally or mentally.

Synonyms:

• For the meaning of unhappy/miserable:

  • "Đau khổ" (painful)
  • "Buồn" (sad)

• For the meaning of width/size:

  • "Chiều rộng" (width)

Summary:

"Khổ" is a versatile word in Vietnamese that can describe both emotional suffering and physical dimensions.

Academic

adj

1. unhappy; miserable

noun

1. width; size