để

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The Vietnamese word "để" has several meanings and uses, making it a versatile word in the language. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it better:

Basic Meanings and Usage

1. To Place / To Set:

   • Meaning: To put something in a specific location.
   • Example: "để cuốn sách lên bàn" means "to place a book on the table."

2. To Let / To Leave / To Keep:

   • Meaning: To allow something to happen or to leave something as it is.
   • Example: "để bạn chờ ngoài cửa" means "to keep a friend waiting at the door."

3. For / So That / In Order:

   • Meaning: Used to indicate purpose or intention.
   • Example: "để làm gì?" means "what for?" or "for what purpose?"

Advanced Usage

• In more complex sentences, "để" can connect actions or indicate purpose.
  • Example: "Tôi học tiếng Việt để giao tiếp tốt hơn." means "I study Vietnamese to communicate better."

Word Variants

• While "để" itself doesn’t have many direct variants, it can be used in different contexts:
  • "để lại" means "to leave behind."
  • "để cho" means "to let" or "to allow."

Different Meanings

"Để" can convey various meanings based on context:

Synonyms

Depending on the context, some synonyms of "để" might include:

Summary

In summary, "để" is an essential and multifunctional word in Vietnamese. It can mean "to place," "to let," or "for," depending on how it is used in a sentence. Understanding its different meanings and contexts will help you use it correctly in your conversations.

Academic

verb

1. to place; to cut; to set; to stand
   • để cuốn sách lên bàn
     To place a book on the table
2. To let; to leave; to keep
   • để bạn chờ ngoài cửa
     to keep a friend waiting at the door for; so that; in order
   • để làm gì? What for?