ải

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The Vietnamese word "ải" can have several meanings and uses, depending on the context. Here’s an easy-to-understand breakdown of the word:

Basic Meaning

1. Noun:

   • Pass (as in a mountain pass): This refers to a narrow route through a mountainous area. For example, "Nam Quan Pass" (ải Nam Quan) is a well-known mountain pass in Vietnam.
   • Troops Garrisoned at a Fort: It can refer to soldiers stationed at a fort, particularly in a strategic location like a pass.

2. Hurdle, Ordeal, or Trial: In a more abstract sense, "ải" can mean a challenge or difficulty that one must overcome. For example, "vượt qua cửa ải cuối cùng" translates to "to overcome the last hurdle."

Advanced Usage

• Adjective:
  • "Rotten": In this sense, "ải" describes something that is decayed or decomposed, such as wood. For example, "gỗ này đã bị ải" means "this wood is rotten."
  • Loose or Aerated: It can also refer to soil that has been loosened or aerated. For example, "phơi cho ải đất" means "to aerate the soil."

Word Variants

• "ải" is primarily used in these contexts, but it does not have many direct variants. However, the context in which it is used can change its meaning significantly.

Different Meanings

Depending on the context, "ải" can refer to: - A geographical feature (mountain pass). - A military term (garrisoned troops). - A metaphorical challenge (hurdle or trial). - A physical description (rotten or loose material).

Synonyms

• For "pass": "đèo" (mountain pass).
• For "hurdle/trial": "khó khăn" (difficulty) or "thử thách" (challenge).
• For "rotten": "mục nát" (decayed).
• For "loose/aerated": "tơi" (loose).

Example Sentences

1. Geographical Context: "Chúng ta sẽ đi qua ải Nam Quan." (We will go through Nam Quan Pass.)
2. Military Context: "Các quân sĩ được đóng ở cửa ải." (The soldiers are stationed at the pass.)
3. Metaphorical Context: "Cô ấy đã vượt qua cửa ải cuối cùng trong cuộc thi." (She has overcome the last hurdle in the competition.)
4. Descriptive Context: "Gỗ này đã bị ải, không thể sử dụng được nữa." (This wood is rotten and cannot be used anymore.) 5.

Academic

noun

1. Pass
   • ải Nam Quan
     Nam Quan pass
   • quân trú phòng ở cửa ải
     troops garrisoned at a fort covering a pass
2. Hurdle, ordeal, trial
   • vượt qua cửa ải cuối cùng
     to overcome the last hurdle

adj

1. Rotten
   • gỗ này đã bị ải
     this wood is rotten
2. Aerated and loose
   • phơi cho ải đất
     to aerate the soil loose