còn

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The Vietnamese word "còn" is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts. Here’s a detailed explanation to help you understand it better:

Basic Meaning

1. To Continue: "Còn" can mean to continue to exist or to still be present.

   • Example: "kẻ còn người mất" means "some are still living and some are dead."

2. To Have Left/Still Have: It can also indicate that there is something remaining or still available.

   • Example: "nó còn tiền" means "he has some money left."

Usage Instructions

• Use "còn" when you want to express that something is still there, exists, or is remaining. It can refer to people, objects, money, time, etc.

Examples

1. Existence:
   • "Anh ta còn mẹ già" means "he still has his old mother."
2. Remaining Quantity:
   • "Tôi còn ba cuốn sách" means "I still have three books."
3. Life and Hope:
   • "Còn nước còn tát" translates to "while there is life, there is hope."

Advanced Usage

• "Còn" is often used in idiomatic expressions to convey deeper meanings:
  • "một mất một còn, một còn một mất": This phrase refers to a situation of life-and-death or crucial stakes, where one side must win or lose.

Academic

verb

1. To continue (to live, to exist..)
   • kẻ còn người mất
     some are still living and some dead
2. To have...left, still have
   • nó còn tiền
     he has some money left
   • anh ta còn mẹ già
     he still has his old mother
   • còn nước còn tát
     while there is life, there is hope
   • một mất một còn, một còn một mất
     life-and-death, make-or-break
   • cuộc chiến đấu một mất một còn
     a life-and-death battle