The Vietnamese word "cắt xén" is a verb that means "to truncate" or "to cut short." It is often used when talking about reducing or shortening something, particularly in a way that may not be appropriate or that removes important parts.
"Không thể tùy tiện cắt xén một số tình tiết của vở kịch."
Translation: "The play should not be casually truncated of some of its incidents."
This means that important parts of the play should not be taken out without careful consideration.
"Cắt xén một đoạn trích dẫn."
Translation: "To truncate a quoted passage."
This implies shortening a quote in such a way that it might lose its original meaning.
In more advanced contexts, "cắt xén" can be used to discuss editing in literature, journalism, or media production, where the integrity of the original work is crucial. For example: - "Việc cắt xén thông tin trong bài báo có thể dẫn đến hiểu lầm."
Translation: "Truncating information in the article can lead to misunderstandings."
While "cắt xén" primarily means to truncate or cut short, it can also imply a negative connotation when it comes to altering someone's work or thoughts, suggesting a lack of respect for the original.