The Vietnamese word "cạn" can be used as both an adjective and a verb, and it generally means "dry" or "to go dry."
Basic Usage
Adjective: It describes something that has no liquid left or is nearly empty. For example:
"giếng cạn": a dry well (meaning the well has no water).
"đèn cạn dầu": the lamp is dry; there is no more oil in the lamp.
"nồi cơm cạn": the pot of rice is dry; there is no more water in the pot of rice.
Verb: It can also mean to run out of something or to use up resources. For example:
"cạn vốn": the capital is nearly exhausted (meaning there is little money left).
"cạn lời": to say everything which one has to say (meaning you have expressed all your thoughts).
"cạn chén": to drink up (one's glass of wine).
Advanced Usage
In more advanced contexts, "cạn" can be used metaphorically: - "nguồn vui không bao giờ cạn": an inexhaustible source of joy, indicating that joy can continue indefinitely without running out. - It can also refer to the depletion of ideas or inspiration, suggesting that one has expressed everything they could think of.
Word Variants
Cạn kiệt: This means "to be completely exhausted" or "to be depleted," often used for resources or supplies.
Cạn lẽ: This can mean to exhaust all explanations or reasons.
Different Meanings
While "cạn" primarily refers to something being dry or used up, it can also imply a lack of depth in a more abstract sense, such as in conversations or thoughts.
Synonyms
Examples
"Nước trong bể cạn.": The water in the tank is dry.
"Chúng ta đã cạn lời về vấn đề này.": We have said everything there is to say about this issue.
"Cạn kiệt tài nguyên là một vấn đề nghiêm trọng.": Exhausting resources is a serious issue.