còn nguyên
Definition
- Adjective phrase:
- Remaining intact, still whole, still complete: Describes something that has not been used, consumed, damaged, or diminished; it remains in its original, full, or untouched state.
Usage Examples
- Adjective phrase:
- Chiếc bánh này vẫn còn nguyên. (This cake is still whole/untouched.)
- Sau trận bão, ngôi nhà vẫn còn nguyên. (After the storm, the house remained intact.)
- Tôi để dành nó và giờ nó vẫn còn nguyên. (I saved it, and now it is still completely there.)
Advanced Usage
- "còn nguyên vẹn": A more emphatic variant meaning "completely intact," "perfectly preserved," or "wholly undamaged."
- Tình bạn của họ vẫn còn nguyên vẹn sau bao năm. (Their friendship remains completely intact after all these years.)
- Used to emphasize that not a single part is missing or has been affected.
- Gói quà vẫn còn nguyên tem niêm phong. (The gift package still has its seal intact.)
Variants and Related Words
- Nguyên vẹn (adj): Intact, whole, complete. Often used interchangeably with or to intensify "còn nguyên."
- Nguyên (adj): Original, whole, unprocessed (e.g., - pure orange juice). Can function similarly in some contexts but is more often a standalone adjective.
- Toàn vẹn (adj): Whole, complete, unbroken. Similar in meaning but can sound more formal.
Synonyms
- Vẫn còn đầy đủ: Still fully available, still complete.
- Chưa đụng đến: Not yet touched/used.
- Không suy suyển: Undiminished, unimpaired (often for abstract things like quality or feelings).
Related Phrases
- Để còn nguyên: To leave (something) intact/untouched.
- Hãy để phần bánh này còn nguyên cho mẹ. (Please leave this portion of cake untouched for mom.)
- Giữ cho còn nguyên: To keep (something) intact.
- Anh ấy giữ bức thư còn nguyên trong nhiều năm. (He kept the letter intact for many years.)
Related Idioms
- Còn nguyên như cũ: Still exactly as it was before; unchanged.
- Căn phòng này sau 10 năm vẫn còn nguyên như cũ. (This room, after 10 years, is still exactly as it was.)
- Tiền vẫn còn nguyên trong túi: (Literal: The money is still intact in the pocket.) Means one has not spent any money.
- Đi chợ về, tiền vẫn còn nguyên trong túi. (Returning from the market, the money is still all there [I didn't buy anything].)