Definition

Noun: - Lock: A mechanical or electronic device used to fasten something, typically a door, lid, or container, and prevent it from being opened without the correct key, combination, or other mechanism.

Usage

• The word "ổ khóa" is a standard noun in Vietnamese. It refers to the physical lock device itself.
• It is commonly used in contexts involving security, doors, safes, cabinets, and bicycles.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tôi đã mua một ổ khóa mới cho cửa nhà. (I bought a new lock for the house door.)
  • Ổ khóa xe đạp của anh ấy rất chắc chắn.* (His bicycle lock is very sturdy.)
  • Cô ấy quên chìa khóa và không thể mở ổ khóa. (She forgot the key and couldn't open the lock.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ổ khóa thông minh": Smart lock (an electronic lock).
  • Căn hộ của họ sử dụng ổ khóa thông minh. (Their apartment uses a smart lock.)
• "Ổ khóa số": Combination lock.
  • Túi xách của tôi có ổ khóa số. (My bag has a combination lock.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khoá (noun): This is a more general term for "lock" and can sometimes be used interchangeably with "ổ khóa," though "ổ khóa" often specifically refers to the lock mechanism/casing.
• Chìa khóa (noun): Key (the object used to open a lock).
• Khoá cửa (noun phrase): Door lock.

Synonyms

• Khoá (noun): Lock.
• Thiết bị khoá (noun phrase): Locking device.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Note: As "ổ khóa" is a noun, it does not have phrasal verbs. However, here are common verb phrases used with it. - Mở ổ khóa: To unlock, to open a lock. - Anh ấy dùng chìa khóa để mở ổ khóa. (He used the key to unlock it.) - Đóng ổ khóa: To lock. - Hãy nhớ đóng ổ khóa cửa trước khi đi ngủ. (Remember to lock the door before going to sleep.) - Thay ổ khóa: To change/replace a lock. - Chúng tôi cần thay ổ khóa vì bị mất chìa. (We need to change the lock because the key was lost.)

Related Idioms

• "Bẻ ổ khóa": To pick a lock (literally: to break a lock).
  • Tên trộm đã cố gắng bẻ ổ khóa nhưng không thành. (The thief tried to pick the lock but failed.)
• "Chắc như ổ khóa": As secure as a lock (meaning very secure or certain).
  • Kế hoạch này chắc như ổ khóa rồi. (This plan is as secure as a lock / foolproof.)

noun

1. lock