Definition

1. Noun:
   • Height, vertical dimension: "Bề cao" refers to the measurement of something from its base to its top; its vertical extent or stature.
   • Elevation: It can also indicate the altitude or level above a given point, such as ground level.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tòa nhà này có bề cao 100 mét. (This building has a height of 100 meters.)
  • Anh ấy đo bề cao của chiếc tủ. (He measured the height of the cabinet.)
  • Bề cao của ngọn núi thật ấn tượng. (The elevation of the mountain is impressive.)

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Scientific Context: Used in geometry, architecture, and geography to specify vertical measurement.
  • Trong hình học, bạn cần tính cả bề dài lẫn bề cao. (In geometry, you need to calculate both the length and the height.)
• Comparative Usage: Often used with comparisons.
  • Bề cao của cây cầu này gấp đôi cây cầu cũ. (The height of this bridge is double that of the old bridge.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chiều cao: A more common synonym for "height".
  • Chiều cao của cậu bé là 1,2 mét. (The boy's height is 1.2 meters.)
• Độ cao: Often used for altitude or elevation, especially in aviation or geography.
  • Máy bay đang bay ở độ cao 10,000 mét. (The plane is flying at an altitude of 10,000 meters.)
• Tầm cao: Can mean height, but often carries a figurative meaning of level, stature, or caliber (e.g., intellectual stature).
  • Đây là một công trình có tầm cao quốc tế. (This is a project of international caliber.)

Synonyms

• Height: The measurement of someone or something from head to foot or from base to top.
• Elevation: Height above a given level, especially sea level.
• Stature: Natural height (of a person) in an upright position.

Related Phrases (Collocations)

• Bề cao tối đa: Maximum height.
  • Bề cao tối đa cho phép là 3 mét. (The maximum permitted height is 3 meters.)
• Bề cao trung bình: Average height.
  • Bề cao trung bình của những cây này là 5 mét. (The average height of these trees is 5 meters.)
• Bề mặt / Bề dài / Bề rộng: Surface / Length / Width. (These are other dimensional terms often used alongside "bề cao").
  • Hãy cho tôi biết bề dài, bề rộng và bề cao của hộp. (Tell me the length, width, and height of the box.)

Notes on Usage

• Formality: "Bề cao" is a formal and technical term, commonly found in written Vietnamese, technical specifications, architecture, and formal descriptions. In everyday spoken language, "chiều cao" is more frequently used.
• Structure: It is a compound noun formed from "bề" (surface, aspect) and "cao" (high, tall), literally meaning "the high dimension".
• Context: It is almost exclusively used for physical, measurable height. It is not typically used for figurative heights (e.g., the height of success).

1. Height