cô

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The Vietnamese word "cô" is a versatile term that can function as both a noun and a verb. Let's break it down:

Noun Usage:

1. Meaning:

   • "Cô" commonly means "aunt" or "auntie." It is used to refer to your father's or mother's sister.
   • Additionally, it can refer to a "young lady" or "miss," often used as a respectful or affectionate term for younger women.

2. Examples:

   • Aunt: "Cô của tôi rất tốt." (My aunt is very nice.)
   • Young lady: "Cô bé đó rất dễ thương." (That little miss is very cute.)

3. Advanced Usage:

   • In a more formal context, "cô" can also be used to address female teachers or young women in a polite manner. For example, you might say "Cô giáo" to mean "teacher" when addressing a female teacher.

Verb Usage:

1. Meaning:

   • As a verb, "cô" means "to boil down." This is often used in cooking contexts.

2. Example:

   • "Cô nước đường" means "to boil down syrup." This refers to the process of cooking sugar with water until it thickens.

Word Variants:

• "Cô bé": This means "little miss" or "little girl," often used affectionately for young girls.
• "Cô giáo": This means "female teacher," combining "cô" with "giáo" (teacher).

Different Meanings:

• In different contexts, "cô" can imply different relationships or levels of respect. As an aunt, it indicates familial ties, while as a young lady, it conveys respect and admiration.

Synonyms:

• For "aunt": "dì" (which specifically refers to the mother's sister).
• For "young lady": "cô gái" (which translates to "girl").

Summary:

The word "cô" has rich meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can signify familial relationships, respect towards young women, or even a cooking term.

Academic

noun

1. Aunt; auntie; Miss; young lady
   • cô bé
     A little miss'

verb

1. To boil down
   • cô nước đường
     To boil down sirup