Definition

1. Noun:
   • Lock (for boats): A structure, typically a chamber with gates at each end, used in canals and rivers to raise or lower boats between stretches of water at different levels.
   • Dock / Basin: An artificial enclosure or basin for ships, often for loading, unloading, or repair.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Con tàu đang chờ để vào âu thuyền. (The ship is waiting to enter the lock.)
  • Âu thuyền này có thể chứa nhiều tàu cùng một lúc. (This dock can hold many ships at once.)
  • Hệ thống âu thuyền giúp tàu bè vượt qua chênh lệch mực nước. (The system of locks helps vessels overcome differences in water levels.)

Advanced Usage

• "Âu thuyền" in engineering: Refers specifically to the hydraulic engineering structure, emphasizing its function in navigation and water management.
  • Dự án xây dựng âu thuyền mới nhằm cải thiện giao thông đường thủy. (The project to build a new lock aims to improve waterway traffic.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cửa âu (n): Lock gate.

  • Các cửa âu đóng lại để điều chỉnh mực nước. (The lock gates close to adjust the water level.)

• Bến cảng (n): Wharf, harbor. A related but broader term for a place where ships dock.

  • Tàu cập bến cảng để bốc dỡ hàng hóa. (The ship docked at the harbor to load and unload cargo.)

Synonyms

• Lock: A chamber on a canal for raising and lowering vessels.
• Dock: An enclosed area of water for loading, unloading, or repairing ships.
• Basin: A sheltered area of water where boats can be moored.

Related Terms

• Kênh đào (n): Canal. An artificial waterway, often featuring locks.

  • Kênh đào Suez có nhiều âu thuyền quan trọng. (The Suez Canal has many important locks.)

• Thủy triều (n): Tide. A natural phenomenon that lock systems often help to manage for navigation.

  • Âu thuyền hoạt động bất kể thủy triều lên xuống. (The lock operates regardless of the tide going in or out.)