Definition

1. Verb:

   • To contract, to shrink: To become smaller in size, length, or volume, often due to an external force like heat or water. This is commonly used for fabrics and materials.
   • To bend, to curl up: To draw a part of the body (like a limb) inward, reducing its extension; to assume a more compact, folded, or fetal position.

2. Coverb:

   • To contract: Used similarly to the verb, indicating a shrinking or contracting action, often appearing in descriptive phrases about the state of objects.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Vải co lại sau khi giặt. (The cloth shrinks after washing.)
  • Ngồi co chân lên ghế. (To sit with legs bent up on the chair.)
  • Đứa trẻ co người lại vì lạnh. (The child curled up because of the cold.)

Advanced Usage

• "co cụm": to shrink back, to huddle (often due to fear or cold).

  • Con mèo co cụm trong góc. (The cat huddled in the corner.)

• "co rúm": to shrivel, to contract severely (often implying wrinkling or a distressed state).

  • Lá cây co rúm lại dưới nắng gắt. (The leaf shriveled under the harsh sun.)

Variants and Related Words

• Co lại (v): to shrink, to contract. This is the most common compound form.

  • Cơ bắp co lại khi lạnh. (Muscles contract when cold.)

• Co duỗi (v): to flex and extend (often for limbs or muscles).

  • Bài tập co duỗi chân. (Leg flexing and extending exercises.)

Synonyms

• Shrink: to become smaller.
• Contract: to draw together and reduce size.
• Curl up: to bend into a curved or rounded shape.
• Retract: to draw back.

Related Idioms

• Khéo ăn thì no, khéo co thì ấm: (Lit: Skillful eating brings fullness, skillful contracting brings warmth.) An idiom meaning living wisely within one's means, being frugal and adaptable to circumstances.

  • Theo phương châm "khéo ăn thì no, khéo co thì ấm". (Following the motto of living wisely and frugally.)

• Co vòi rút cổ: (Lit: to retract one's trunk and neck.) To withdraw or back down from a situation, often out of fear or to avoid responsibility.

  • Thấy khó khăn, nó liền co vòi rút cổ. (Seeing difficulties, he immediately backed down.)

verb

1. To contract, to shrink
   • vải co lại sau khi giặt
     the cloth shrinks after washing
2. To bend, to curl up
   • ngồi co chân lên ghế
     to sit with a bent leg
   • tay duỗi tay co
     an arm stretched and an arm bent