Definition

1. Noun:

   • A raised platform or structure: A construction built on a high base, often without a roof, used for specific purposes like commemoration or observation.
   • A station or facility: A place, often elevated or specially equipped, for observation, research, or broadcasting (short for 'đài phát thanh' - radio station, or 'đài truyền hình' - television station).
   • (Colloquial) A radio receiver: A device for receiving radio broadcasts.
   • (Botany) Calyx: The outermost part of a flower, usually green.
   • A ceremonial tray: A wooden, often red-lacquered, tray used in traditional rituals to hold offerings like betel or wine.

2. Adjective:

   • (Colloquial, pejorative) Pretentiously refined: Acting in a haughty or affectedly elegant manner.
   • (Historical calligraphy) Raised writing: In old Chinese character writing, a style where characters are written higher than the normal line to show respect (functioning like modern capitalization).

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Thành phố xây một đài tưởng niệm. (The city built a memorial monument.)
  • Tin tức được phát trên đài phát thanh quốc gia. (The news was broadcast on the national radio station.)
  • Anh ấy tắt đài để tập trung học. (He turned off the radio to concentrate on studying.)
  • Hoa hồng có đài màu xanh. (Roses have a green calyx.)
  • Bà đặt đài trầu cau lên bàn thờ. (She placed the betel nut tray on the altar.)

• Adjective:

  • Cô ấy ăn nói đài lắm! (She speaks in such a pretentious manner!)
  • Tên nhà vua được viết đài trong văn bản cổ. (The king's name was written in raised script in the ancient document.)

Advanced Usage

• "Lên đài": To go on air (for broadcasting); to compete in a final or championship match (in sports).

  • Ca sĩ trẻ lần đầu tiên được lên đài truyền hình. (The young singer appeared on television for the first time.)

• "Đài các": Elegant, refined (often used sarcastically to mean pretentious).

  • Cử chỉ đài các ấy không hợp với hoàn cảnh. (That refined gesture is not suitable for the situation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đài phát thanh (n): Radio station.
• Đài truyền hình (n): Television station.
• Đài tưởng niệm (n): Memorial monument, war memorial.
• Đài quan sát (n): Observatory.
• Đài các (adj): Refined, elegant (can be sincere or sarcastic).

Synonyms

• Bệ (n): Pedestal, platform (for a statue).
• Đài hoa (n): Calyx (botanical term).
• Mâm (n): Tray, platter (for holding items, but less ceremonial than 'đài').
• Kiêu kỳ (adj): Haughty, arrogant (similar to the adjectival meaning).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Lên đài (verb phrase): To go on air; to reach the finals.
• Ngã đài (verb phrase, slang): To fail spectacularly, to fall from grace.
  • Công ty ấy đã ngã đài sau vụ bê bối. (That company crashed and burned after the scandal.)

Related Idioms

• "Làm cao làm đài": To put on airs, to act superior.
  • Đừng có làm cao làm đài với bạn bè. (Don't put on airs with your friends.)

noun

1. estrade; stage tower