Definition

1. Noun:
   • Semi-colon: A punctuation mark (;) used to separate parts of a sentence that are more distinct than parts separated by a comma, often linking independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Usage

The word "chấm phẩy" is used exclusively as a noun to refer to the punctuation mark. It is a compound word formed from "chấm" (dot/period) and "phẩy" (comma), literally describing its appearance. It is used in grammatical explanations and when discussing writing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong câu này, bạn nên dùng dấu chấm phẩy. (In this sentence, you should use a semi-colon.)
  • Dấu chấm phẩy có công dụng nối hai mệnh đề độc lập có liên quan. (The semi-colon is used to connect two related independent clauses.)
  • Anh ấy quên đánh dấu chấm phẩy ở cuối dòng. (He forgot to put a semi-colon at the end of the line.)

Advanced Usage

• Stylistic Use: In advanced writing, the semi-colon can be used to create a pause that is stronger than a comma but weaker than a period, often to build rhythm or clarify complex lists.
  • Văn phong của cô ấy rất đặc biệt; cô ấy thường xuyên sử dụng dấu chấm phẩy một cách tinh tế. (Her writing style is very distinctive; she frequently uses the semi-colon in a subtle way.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dấu chấm (n): Period, full stop.
• Dấu phẩy (n): Comma.
• Dấu hai chấm (n): Colon.
• Dấu câu (n): Punctuation mark.

Synonyms

• Dấu chấm phẩy has no direct synonym in Vietnamese, as it is the specific term for the punctuation mark. In context, one might refer to it generally as a dấu câu (punctuation mark).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Chấm phẩy is a technical term and is not used in Vietnamese idioms or phrasal verbs.

1. Semi-colon