lạ

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The Vietnamese word "lạ" is an adjective that primarily means "strange" or "unusual." It can also mean "foreign" in certain contexts. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you understand and use the word effectively:

Basic Meaning:

1. Strange: When something is not familiar or is different from what is expected.

   • Example: "Cái này thật lạ." (This is really strange.)

2. Foreign: Referring to someone or something from another country.

   • Example: "Người lạ" means "a stranger" or "a foreigner."

Usage Instructions:

• Use "lạ" when you want to describe something that is unfamiliar or when you encounter something that surprises you.
• You can also use it to express a fondness for unusual things.

Examples:

1. Người lạ: "Tôi thấy một người lạ trên đường." (I saw a stranger on the street.)
2. Thích của lạ: "Cô ấy thích những món ăn lạ." (She likes unusual dishes.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Lạ" can be used in various expressions and idiomatic phrases. For example, "cảm giác lạ" means "strange feeling," which can be used to describe a new or unexpected emotional response.

Word Variants:

• Lạ lùng: This is a more emphatic form meaning "very strange" or "bizarre."

  • Example: "Câu chuyện này thật lạ lùng." (This story is very strange.)

• Lạ mắt: Means "unusual to see" or something that catches your eye because it's different.

  • Example: "Chiếc xe này thật lạ mắt." (This car is very eye-catching.)

Different Meanings:

• "Lạ" can also refer to something being new or unfamiliar in a positive way, not just in a negative or confusing context. For example, trying a new experience can also be described as "lạ."

Synonyms:

• Kỳ lạ: This means "weird" or "odd" and can be used similarly to "lạ."

  • Example: "Một hiện tượng kỳ lạ đã xảy ra." (A weird phenomenon has occurred.)

• Khác thường: This means "uncommon" or "extraordinary," which can also convey a similar idea to "lạ."

  • Example: "Đây là một điều khác thường." (This is an extraordinary thing.)

Conclusion:

Understanding the word "lạ" can help you express feelings of surprise, describe unfamiliar people or things, and talk about new experiences in Vietnamese.

Academic

adj

1. strange; foreign
   • người lạ
     a strange person. unusual; extraordinary
   • thích của lạ
     to be fond of things unusual