cỗi
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Root; origin; base: Refers to the root of a tree or, figuratively, the origin or foundation of something. This usage is now considered literary or poetic.
- Adjective:
- Stunted; old and no longer growing: Describes a plant, especially a tree, that is old, has stopped growing, and has lost its vitality.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Rung cây, rung cỗi, rung cành... (Shake the tree, shake the root, shake the branch... - from a folk saying)
- Về thăm cỗi nguồn dân tộc. (To return and visit the origin of the nation.) (Note: 'cội nguồn' is a compound. The target word here is 'cỗi' used in a poetic/literary sense for 'origin')
- Adjective:
- Cây cau trước nhà đã cỗi. (The areca palm in front of the house has become stunted/old.)
- Trồng giống tốt thì cây sẽ lâu cỗi. (If you plant good seeds, the trees will take a long time to become stunted.)
Advanced Usage
- Literary/Figurative Use: In classical poetry or formal writing, 'cỗi' as a noun can be used metaphorically for one's homeland, ancestry, or the fundamental cause of something.
- Lòng luôn hướng về cỗi xưa. (The heart always turns towards the old origin/homeland.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cội: The modern, more common form of the noun 'cỗi', meaning "tree trunk; base; origin".
- Cội nguồn (Compound noun): Origin, source, root (e.g., of a tradition, a people).
- Cỗi già: A compound emphasizing the adjectival meaning, meaning "very old and stunted" (used for trees/plants).
Synonyms
- Noun (Root/Origin): Gốc, nguồn, căn nguyên.
- Adjective (Stunted): Cằn cỗi, già cỗi, không phát triển.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Cây cỗi cành khô: A phrase describing a scene of decay, meaning "stunted trees and dry branches".
- Già cỗi: (Often used for people) Decrepit, very old and weak.
noun
- Root; origin
adj
- Stunted