án

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The Vietnamese word "án" has several meanings and uses, making it an interesting word to learn. Here’s a breakdown of its meanings, usage, and examples:

Basic Definition:

1. As a noun:

   • High and Narrow Table: "Án" can refer to a table or case that is typically narrow and used for specific purposes, such as displaying items or as a workspace.
   • Legal Context:

2. As a verb:

   • To Obstruct or Block: "Án" can also mean to obstruct or block someone's way.

3. Military Context:

   • To Station Troops (án binh bất động): This phrase means to position soldiers in a location and remain inactive or hidden.

Usage Instructions:

• When using "án" in a legal context, it usually follows words that describe the type of case or punishment, like "vụ án" (case) or "án tử hình" (death sentence).
• In military or strategic discussions, you might encounter it when talking about troop movements or positions.

Examples:

• Legal Example: "Vụ án giết người này đang được điều tra." (This murder case is under investigation.)
• Sentence Example: "Tòa án đã tuyên án tử hình cho bị cáo." (The court has sentenced the defendant to death.)
• Obstruction Example: "Cái cây đã án đường đi của tôi." (The tree has blocked my path.)
• Military Example: "Quân đội đã án binh bất động trong một thời gian dài." (The army has remained stationed for a long time.)

Advanced Usage:

• In legal discussions, you might see "án" combined with other words to specify different types of cases, such as "án dân sự" (civil case) or "án hình sự" (criminal case).
• In strategic discussions, you might hear phrases like "án binh bất động" used to discuss military tactics.

Word Variants:

• Variants can include combinations with other words, such as "vụ án" (case) and "án phạt" (punishment).

Different Meanings:

• While primarily used in legal and military contexts, "án" can also imply a sense of obstruction in everyday language.

Synonyms:

• For legal terms, synonyms might include "vụ kiện" (lawsuit) or "án quyết" (verdict).
• For the verb meaning of obstructing, you could use "cản trở" (to hinder).

Academic

noun

1. High and narrow table
2. Case
   • vụ án giết người
     murder case
3. Sentence
   • án tử hình
     death sentence
   • án khổ sai
     hard labour sentence

verb

1. To obstruct, to block the way
   • án binh bất động
     to station one's troops somewhere and lie low