lúc

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The Vietnamese word "lúc" can be understood in several ways, primarily as a noun and a conjunction. Here’s a detailed explanation for new learners:

Basic Meaning:

1. Noun - Moment/While:

   • "Lúc" refers to a specific point in time or a moment.
   • Example: "Chờ tôi một lúc." - This means "Wait for me a moment."

2. Conjunction - When:

   • "Lúc" can also be used to indicate a time when something happens.
   • Example: "Lúc cô ta còn trẻ." - This translates to "When she was young."

Usage Instructions:

• As a Noun: Use "lúc" when you want to refer to a brief period or moment in time. It often pairs with verbs that indicate waiting or doing something briefly.
• As a Conjunction: Use "lúc" to introduce a time-related clause, usually to specify when an action took place.

Examples:

• Noun Usage:

  • "Tôi sẽ trở lại trong một lúc." (I will be back in a moment.)

• Conjunction Usage:

  • "Lúc tôi đi học, tôi rất thích." (When I was in school, I enjoyed it very much.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Lúc" can also be used in expressions that indicate certain conditions or situations:
  • "Lúc đó" means "at that time."
  • "Đôi lúc" means "at times" or "sometimes," indicating that something does not happen all the time but occasionally.

Word Variants:

• "Lúc" does not have direct variants but can be used in different contexts, often paired with adjectives or other nouns to specify the time more clearly (e.g., "lúc này" for "this moment").

Different Meanings:

While "lúc" primarily means "moment" or "when," the context can change how it is understood: - In casual conversation, it might imply a brief wait or pause. - In storytelling, it can set the scene for when events occur.

Synonyms:

• "Khoảnh khắc" - which means "moment" and is often used interchangeably in some contexts.
• "Thời điểm" - which translates to "point in time" and can also refer to specific times.

Academic

noun

1. moment; while
   • chờ tôi một lúc
     wait for me a moment
2. time
   • đôi lúc
     at times

conj

1. when
   • lúc cô ta còn trẻ
     when she was young