tư

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The Vietnamese word "tư" has a few meanings and uses, which can be understood in different contexts. Here’s a breakdown to help you learn:

Basic Meanings:

1. Four (4): "Tư" is used to refer to the number four in Vietnamese.

   • Example: "Tôi có bốn cái bánh." (I have four cakes.)

2. Fourth (adj): It can also mean "fourth" when describing the position in a sequence.

   • Example: "Đây là lớp học thứ tư." (This is the fourth class.)

3. Private / Personal: In another context, "tư" can describe something that is private or personal.

   • Example: "Đây là chuyện tư của tôi." (This is my personal matter.)

Usage Instructions:

• When using "tư" as a number, it typically comes before the noun it quantifies.
• When using it as an adjective (fourth), it usually follows the noun it describes.
• When referring to personal matters, it can be used to indicate ownership or privacy.

Advanced Usage:

• "Tư" can also combine with other words to form phrases that emphasize privacy or personal space, such as "thông tin tư nhân" (personal information).
• In formal or legal contexts, "tư" might be used to distinguish between personal and public matters.

Word Variants:

• Tư cách: This means "status" or "capacity," often used in legal or professional contexts.
• Tư duy: This means "thinking" or "thought," referring to cognitive processes.

Different Meanings:

• Remember that "tư" can have different meanings depending on context, so it's important to listen and observe how it is used in conversation.

Synonyms:

• For the meaning of "four": "bốn" is the primary synonym.
• For "fourth": "thứ tư" can also be used, where "thứ" generally means "order" or "sequence."
• For "private": "riêng" is a synonym that can also mean "personal" or "individual."

Summary:

The word "tư" is versatile and can refer to numbers, positions in a sequence, and personal matters.

Academic

1. four, fourth

adj

1. private, personal