lạc

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The Vietnamese word "lạc" has several meanings and uses, making it a versatile term in the language. Here’s a detailed explanation for new learners:

Meanings of "lạc"

1. Noun (Peanut):

   • "Lạc" commonly refers to peanuts or ground-nuts. In Vietnam, peanuts are often used in cooking and snacks.
   • Example: "Tôi thích ăn lạc rang." (I like to eat roasted peanuts.)

2. Verb (To Lose / To Stray):

   • "Lạc" can mean to lose, to stray, or to go off course.
   • Example: "Tôi đã lạc đường." (I got lost on the way.)

3. Stray Bullet:

   • In a more specific context, "đạn lạc" refers to a stray bullet.
   • Example: "Có một viên đạn lạc trong khu vực này." (There is a stray bullet in this area.)

4. To Be Out of Tune:

   • When referring to music, "lạc giọng" means to be out of tune.
   • Example: "Anh ấy hát lạc giọng." (He sings out of tune.)

5. To Mislay:

   • "Lạc" can also mean to misplace or to often mislay, especially documents.
   • Example: "Tôi hay để lạc giấy tờ." (I often misplace documents.)

Usage Instructions

• When using "lạc" as a noun, it often pairs with food or snacks.
• As a verb, it can describe physical actions (like losing your way) or metaphorical situations (like feeling out of tune in life).
• The context often determines whether "lạc" refers to peanuts or the act of losing/straying.

Advanced Usage

• You might encounter "lạc" in idiomatic expressions or in literary contexts where it conveys deeper meanings, such as feeling lost in life or straying from one's path.
• Example: "Cảm giác lạc lõng giữa dòng người." (Feeling lost amidst the crowd.)

Word Variants

• Lạc rang: Roasted peanuts.
• Lạc cây: To plant peanuts.
• Lạc lõng: To feel lonely or lost in a crowd.

Synonyms

• For the noun (peanut):

  • Đậu phộng: Another common term for peanuts in Vietnam.

• For the verb (to lose):

  • Mất: Means to lose something.

• For the meaning of being out of tune:

  • Lệch: Can also mean to be off or out of alignment.

Conclusion

"Lạc" is a useful word in Vietnamese with diverse meanings. Whether you’re talking about enjoying peanuts, navigating your way, or expressing feelings of being lost, understanding "lạc" will enhance your Vietnamese vocabulary.

Academic

noun

1. peanut; ground-nut
   • kẹo lạc
     peanut sweets

verb

1. to lose; to stray
   • đạn lạc
     a stray bullet. to be out of
   • lạc giọng
     to be out of tune. to mislay
   • hay để lạc giấy tờ
     to often mislay documents