châu

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The Vietnamese word "châu" is a noun that has several meanings and uses in different contexts. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it better:

Basic Meaning:

1. Continent: The most common meaning of "châu" is "continent." For example:

   • Châu Á: This means "Asia" or "the Asian continent."

2. Mountain District: In historical contexts, particularly during the feudal period and the French colonial era, "châu" referred to an administrative division similar to a district.

3. Pearl: "Châu" can also mean "pearl," often used in poetic or romantic contexts.

Phrases and Expressions:

• Năm châu bốn biển: This phrase means "the four corners of the earth" or "all the world," emphasizing the idea of inclusivity or universality.
• Châu về hợp phố: This poetic expression translates to "lost jewel returns to its owner," symbolizing something valuable being returned.

Advanced Usage:

• Gạo châu củi quế: This phrase means "rice as dear as pearls, firewood as dear as cinnamon," which conveys the idea of an excessively high cost of living. It suggests that basic necessities are as expensive as luxury items.

Verb Form:

• "Châu" can also be used as a verb meaning "to huddle together," indicating a gathering or clustering of people or things.

Word Variants:

• Châu báu: Means "jewel" or "treasure," combining "châu" with "báu" (treasure).
• Châu lục: This means "continent," where "lục" refers to land or earth.

Synonyms:

• For "châu" in the context of "continent," you can find synonyms like "lục địa" (landmass).
• In the context of "pearl," synonyms can include "ngọc trai" (mother of pearl).

Different Meanings:

1. Geographical: Related to continents or regions.
2. Cultural: Reflects historical administrative divisions.
3. Literary: Used in poetry to symbolize beauty and value.

Usage Instructions:

When using "châu," be mindful of the context to determine its meaning. If you are talking about geography, it likely refers to a continent. If you are discussing something of value, it might mean a pearl or jewel.

Example Sentences:

1. Châu Á là nơi có nhiều nền văn hóa đa dạng.

   • "Asia is a place with diverse cultures."

2. Trong thơ, châu thường được dùng để chỉ cái đẹp.

   • "In poetry, 'châu' is often used to represent beauty."

Academic

noun

1. Continent
   • châu á
     The Asian continent
   • năm châu bốn biển
     the four corners of the earth; all the world
2. Mountain district (thời phong kiến và thuộc Pháp)
   • Administrative division (thời thuộc Hán-Đường)
     Pearl
3. (kết hợp hạn chế) Tear
   • châu về hợp phố
     lost jewel returns to its owner
   • gạo châu củi quế
     rice as dear as pearls, firewood as dear as cinnamon; an excessively high cost of living

verb

1. To huddle together