cả

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The Vietnamese word "cả" has several meanings and usages, primarily functioning as an adjective. It is often used in specific contexts to describe something as the "eldest," "main," "senior," or "biggest." Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you understand its usage:

Basic Meaning:

1. Eldest (Cả): It can refer to the oldest child in a family. For example, "cả" is used to denote the firstborn or the eldest sibling.

   • Example: "Cô ấy là con cả trong gia đình." (She is the eldest child in the family.)

2. Main or Senior (Cả): It can indicate something that is principal or more important.

   • Example: "Chúng ta cần tập trung vào vấn đề cả." (We need to focus on the main issue.)

3. Biggest (Cả): It can refer to something that is the largest or most significant in a particular context.

   • Example: "Đây là ngọn núi cả trong vùng." (This is the biggest mountain in the area.)

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced contexts, "cả" can be used in phrases that imply a grand scale or significant impact.
  • Example: "Nguyễn Huệ cả phá quân nhà Thanh." (Nguyễn Huệ decimated the Ch'in army on a grand scale.) This indicates a significant victory.

Variants:

• The word "cả" can appear in various phrases and compounds, where it still retains its core meaning:
  • Biển cả: Refers to the "high sea" or "the ocean."
  • Sóng cả: Means "the biggest waves" or "billows," often used in poetic contexts.

Different Meanings:

• "Cả" can also imply inclusivity when used with other words:
  • Cả ăn cả tiêu: This phrase means to spend on a grand scale, indicating lavishness or abundance.

Synonyms:

• Some synonyms for "cả" include:
  • Lớn: which means "big" or "large."
  • Chính: which means "main" or "principal."
  • Trưởng: which refers to "senior" or "eldest" in the context of family.

Academic

adj

1. (dùng hạn chế trong một số tổ hợp) Eldest, senior, main, biggest
   • biển cả
     the main (thơ), the high sea
   • sóng cả
     biggest waves, billows
   • con cả
     eldest child
   • lên giọng đàn anh kẻ cả
     to speak in the tone of a superior and senior
2. On a grand scale, on the greatest scale
   • cả ăn cả tiêu
     to spend on a grand scale
   • Nguyễn Huệ cả phá quân nhà Thanh
     Nguyen Hue destroyed the Ch'in army on a grand scale, Nguyen Hue decimated the Ch'in army