Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To space out, to set apart, to arrange with intervals: The primary meaning of "để cách" is to place or arrange objects, items, or elements with a deliberate distance or gap between them. It describes the action of creating spatial separation.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Khi trồng cây, bạn nên để cách nhau ít nhất hai mét. (When planting trees, you should space them at least two meters apart.)
  • Hãy để cách dòng khi bạn viết báo cáo. (Please double-space when you write the report.)
  • Để cách các bức ảnh trên tường cho đều. (Space the pictures on the wall evenly.)

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Formatting Context: Often used in instructions for writing, design, or layout to specify margins, line spacing, or object placement.
  • Trong tài liệu, để cách lề trên 2.5 cm. (In the document, set the top margin to 2.5 cm.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khoảng cách (n): distance, gap, interval.

  • Hãy giữ một khoảng cách an toàn. (Maintain a safe distance.)

• Cách (v): to separate, to set apart. (Note: "Cách" alone can mean "to separate," while "để cách" emphasizes the act of placing with separation.)

  • Cách những quyển sách cũ ra một bên. (Set the old books aside.)

Synonyms

• To space: to set at particular intervals.
• To separate: to set or keep apart.
• To set apart: to place at a distance from something else.

Notes on Usage

• "Để cách" is a compound verb phrase. It is typically followed by a noun or phrase indicating the distance (e.g., "để cách nhau 5cm" – to space them 5cm apart) or the element being spaced from (e.g., "để cách tường" – to set apart from the wall).
• It is commonly used in formal instructions, technical manuals, and everyday advice regarding arrangement or layout.