đầu

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The Vietnamese word "đầu" is a versatile noun with several meanings and uses. Here’s a detailed explanation to help you understand it better:

Basic Meaning

1. Head: The most common meaning of "đầu" is "head," referring to the upper part of the human body that contains the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

Usage Instructions

• "Đầu" can be used in various contexts, such as talking about health ("đầu đau" means "headache") or discussing physical appearance ("đầu tóc dài" means "long hair on the head").
• It can also be used in expressions or idioms related to the head or thinking.

Examples

1. Basic Use:

   • "Tôi bị đau đầu." (I have a headache.)

2. In Context:

   • "Cô ấy có một cái đầu thông minh." (She has a smart head/brain.)

Advanced Usage

• "Đầu" can also refer to the beginning or the front part of something.
  • For example, "đầu tuần" means "the beginning of the week" (Monday).

Different Meanings

• Nợ lút đầu: This phrase means "head over heels in debt," indicating someone is deeply in financial trouble.
• Đầu xuân: Refers to "the beginning of spring," indicating the start of a new season.

Word Variants

• Đầu tiên: Means "first" or "the first one" (e.g., "đầu tiên trong danh sách" means "the first in the list").
• Đầu óc: Refers to "mind" or "brain," often used in phrases like "đầu óc minh mẫn" (clear-minded).

Synonyms

• Cái đầu: This is a more specific term that literally means "the head."
• Chóp: Refers to the top or peak of something, often used in a more physical sense (like the top of a mountain).

Conclusion

"Đầu" is a fundamental word in Vietnamese with multiple meanings, from referring to the physical head to indicating beginnings and even financial situations.

Academic

noun

1. head
   • nợ lút đầu
     Head over heels in debt beginning; end