bớt

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The Vietnamese word "bớt" is a versatile word that can function as both a verb and a noun, and it primarily conveys the idea of reducing or diminishing something.

Meaning:

1. Verb (to diminish, to cut down, to decrease, to reduce): "bớt" is most commonly used to express the action of making something smaller or less in quantity or degree.

2. Noun (birth-mark): In a different context, it can refer to a birthmark on the skin.

Usage Instructions:

• As a verb: Use "bớt" when you want to talk about reducing something, whether it's costs, time, or something else.
• As a noun: Use "bớt" when discussing physical characteristics like birthmarks.

Examples:

1. Verb:

   • "Giảm bớt chi phí sản xuất." (Cut down production costs.)
   • "Thêm bạn bớt thù." (Increase the number of friends and decrease the number of foes.)
   • "Bớt giấy tờ, bớt hội họp." (Cut down on red tape and meetings.)
   • "Bệnh mười phần bớt tám." (The disease has diminished by eight-tenths, meaning it has nearly completely abated.)
   • "Cái gậy này dài quá, chặt cho ngắn bớt." (This stick is too long, let's shorten it.)

2. Noun:

   • "Cô ấy có một cái bớt trên tay." (She has a birthmark on her hand.)

Advanced Usage:

In more complex sentences, "bớt" can be used in conjunction with other words to emphasize the degree of reduction: - "Bớt một chút" (Reduce a little) or "Bớt nhiều" (Reduce a lot).

Word Variants:

• Bớt lại: This variant means to save or set aside a part of something.
  • Example: "Bớt lại một ít để dành." (Set aside a little to save.)

Different Meanings:

• While "bớt" primarily means to reduce, it can also imply a sense of relief from a burden, depending on the context.

Synonyms:

• Giảm: This is another common word for "reduce" or "diminish."
• Cắt giảm: This means to cut down or cut back, often used in financial contexts.

Academic

noun

1. Birth-mark

verb

1. To diminish, to cut down, to decrease, to reduce
   • giảm bớt chi phí sản xuất
     to cut down production cost
   • thêm bạn bớt thù
     to increase the number of friends and to decrease that of foes
   • bớt giấy tờ, bớt hội họp
     to cut down red tape and meetings
   • bệnh mười phần bớt tám
     the disease has diminished by eight-tenths (four-fifths), the disease has nearly completely abated
   • cái gậy này dài quá, chặt cho ngắn bớt
     this stick is too long, let's shorten it
2. To lay by part of
   • bớt lại một ít để dành