Definition

1. Noun:
   • A unit of measurement: "Gang tay" is a traditional Vietnamese unit of length, approximately equal to a span. It is the distance from the tip of the outstretched thumb to the tip of the middle finger.
   • A short distance: By extension, it can refer to a very short distance or length.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sợi dây dài hai gang tay. (The cord is about two spans long.)
  • Hai làng cách nhau chưa đầy hai gang tay. (The two villages are a short distance away from one another.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe approximate, small measurements: Often used in traditional contexts or to give a rough, visual estimate of a short length.
  • Chiếc bàn này rộng chừng ba gang tay. (This table is about three spans wide.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gang: Can be used as a standalone noun with a similar meaning, though "gang tay" is more specific and common.
• Empan (French): The equivalent French term, as noted in historical dictionaries.

Synonyms

• Khoảng cách ngắn: A short distance.
• Một span: One span (in English measurement context).

Notes on Meaning

• This word is a compound noun ("gang" + "tay"). The primary explanation is for the compound unit of measurement. It is not typically broken down into separate meanings for "gang" and "tay" in this context.
• It is an example of a traditional, body-based measurement unit, similar to "foot" or "cubit" in other cultures. Its exact length can vary slightly from person to person.

1. Span
   • Sợi dây dài hai gang tay
     A cord about two spans.
2. (b) Short distance
   • Hai làng cách nhau chưa đầy hai gang tay
     The two villages are a short distance away from the one another