Definition

1. Noun:
   • Wax paper: A type of paper that is coated or impregnated with wax, making it moisture-resistant and semi-transparent. It is commonly used for food wrapping or lining baking trays.
   • Sandpaper: A type of paper with an abrasive surface, used for smoothing or polishing surfaces by rubbing. This meaning is synonymous with "giấy ráp" (literally "rough paper").

Usage Examples

• Noun (Wax paper):

  • Cô ấy lót giấy nến lên khay nướng bánh. (She lined the baking tray with wax paper.)
  • Hãy bọc bánh mì trong giấy nến để giữ được độ tươi. (Wrap the bread in wax paper to keep it fresh.)

• Noun (Sandpaper):

  • Anh thợ mộc dùng giấy nến để đánh bóng bề mặt gỗ. (The carpenter used sandpaper to polish the wood surface.)
  • Bạn cần một tờ giấy nến loại mịn để chà nhẵn vết xước. (You need a sheet of fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the scratch.)

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Contextual Distinction: The correct meaning is entirely dependent on context. In culinary or food-related contexts, it always means "wax paper." In carpentry, construction, or crafting contexts, it always means "sandpaper."
  • Trong công thức làm bánh, "giấy nến" là vật dụng không thể thiếu. (In baking recipes, "wax paper" is an indispensable item.)
  • Trong hướng dẫn sửa chữa, "giấy nến" được nhắc đến như một dụng cụ đánh bóng. (In repair manuals, "sandpaper" is mentioned as a polishing tool.)

Variants and Related Words

• Giấy sáp: A direct synonym for "wax paper." (e.g., - food wrapping wax paper)
• Giấy ráp: The more common and precise term for "sandpaper." (e.g., - wood sandpaper)
• Giấy nhám: Another common term for "sandpaper," equivalent to "giấy ráp."

Synonyms

• For "wax paper": Baking paper, parchment paper (note: parchment paper is greaseproof and oven-safe, while traditional wax paper is not for direct oven heat).
• For "sandpaper": Abrasive paper, sanding paper.

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Giấy nến thực phẩm: Food-grade wax paper.
• Giấy nến đánh bóng: Polishing sandpaper.
• Cuộn giấy nến: A roll of wax paper/sandpaper.

Notes on Meaning

The word "giấy nến" is a homonym with two distinct and unrelated meanings: 1. Wax Paper (Primary modern usage): From "giấy" (paper) + "nến" (wax, candle). This is the most frequent meaning in everyday language, especially in domestic settings. 2. Sandpaper (Traditional/technical usage): This meaning originates from the rough texture of some early abrasive papers, which might have been likened to the rough surface of a beeswax comb or a gritty substance. It is now largely synonymous with and often replaced by "giấy ráp" or "giấy nhám."

1. như giấy sáp