mài

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The Vietnamese word "mài" is a verb that means "to whet" or "to sharpen." It is commonly used when talking about sharpening tools or objects, especially knives.

Basic Usage:

• Meaning: To make something sharp by grinding or scraping it against a hard surface.
• Example: "Mài dao" means "to sharpen a knife."
  • Sentence: "Tôi sẽ mài dao để cắt rau." (I will sharpen the knife to cut vegetables.)

Advanced Usage:

In a more advanced context, "mài" can also refer to the process of refining or enhancing something, not just in a physical sense but also in terms of skills or knowledge.

Word Variants:

• "Mài mòn": This phrase means "to wear down" or "to erode," often used to describe the gradual loss of sharpness or strength.
• "Mài sắc": This means "to sharpen" in a more specific way, focusing on making something sharp.

Different Meanings:

While the primary meaning of "mài" is related to sharpening, it can also imply the act of polishing or refining something, such as improving a technique or enhancing a product.

Synonyms:

• "Sắc": This word means "sharp," and while it is not a direct synonym, it is related to the quality of something that has been "mài."
• "Gọt": This means "to trim" or "to cut down," and can sometimes be used in contexts similar to sharpening.

Summary:

"Mài" is a versatile verb in Vietnamese that primarily deals with the physical act of sharpening but can also extend to the idea of refining and improving skills or objects.

Academic

verb

1. to whet ; to sharpen
   • mài dao
     to sharpen a knife