bọc sắt

Definitions

Noun:
- Armour, Armor (US): A protective metal covering. This is the core meaning, referring to the metal layer itself that provides protection.
- Armoured/Armored (US) shell/casing: Refers specifically to an object or structure that is encased in protective metal.
Adjective (Attributive):
- Armoured/Armored (US): Used to describe a vehicle, object, or structure that is protected by or covered with metal plates. It functions like a compound adjective when placed before a noun.

Usage Examples

Noun:
- Chiếc xe tăng có lớp bọc sắt rất dày. (The tank has a very thick layer of armour.)
- Họ gia cố căn cứ bằng bọc sắt. (They reinforced the base with armoured plating.)
Adjective (Attributive):
- Xe bọc sắt được sử dụng để vận chuyển quan chức. (Armoured vehicles are used to transport officials.)
- Cánh cửa bọc sắt bảo vệ kho tiền. (The armoured door protects the vault.)

Advanced Usage

"được bọc sắt" / "có bọc sắt": The passive/descriptive construction "được/có bọc sắt" (to be armoured/to have armour) is very common.
- Chiếc xe này được bọc sắt để chống đạn. (This car is armoured to be bulletproof.)

Variants and Related Words

Bọc thép: A near-synonym meaning "armoured with steel." Often used interchangeably with "bọc sắt," though "bọc thép" can sometimes imply a higher grade of protection.
- xe bọc thép (armoured vehicle)
Giáp: Specifically refers to "armour" in a military or combat context (e.g., tank armour, body armour).
- áo giáp (body armour)
Vỏ bọc: Means "covering," "shell," or "casing." It is more general and not specific to metal.
- vỏ bọc bằng nhựa (plastic casing)

Synonyms

Related Phrases

Xe bọc sắt: The most common compound phrase, meaning "armoured car" or "armoured vehicle."
- Đoàn hộ tống gồm nhiều xe bọc sắt. (The convoy consists of several armoured cars.)
Tàu bọc sắt: Historical term for an "ironclad" warship.
Cửa bọc sắt: Armoured door.