Definition

1. Noun:

   • Verdigris, rust: A greenish-blue layer that forms on copper, brass, or bronze, or a reddish-brown coating that forms on iron or steel due to oxidation.
   • A plant (Laportea): A type of plant in the nettle family (Urticaceae) whose leaves have stinging hairs that cause itching and a burning sensation upon contact.

2. Verb:

   • To ask, to inquire (archaic): To pose a question or seek information. This usage is now considered old-fashioned or literary.

3. Adjective:

   • Rusted, corroded: Describing an object, typically made of metal, that is covered with rust or corrosion.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Verdigris/Rust):
  • Trên bề mặt đồng xu có một lớp han xanh. (There is a layer of verdigris on the surface of the coin.)
  • Cái đinh sắt này đã bị han. (This iron nail has rust.)
• Noun (Plant):
  • Đừng chạm vào cây han, nó sẽ làm bạn ngứa. (Don't touch the Laportea plant; it will make you itch.)
• Verb (To ask - archaic):
  • Người lữ khách dừng lại để han đường. (The traveler stopped to ask for directions.)
• Adjective (Rusted):
  • Chiếc xe đạp cũ đã han hết cả. (The old bicycle is completely rusted.)

Advanced Usage

• "han gỉ": A compound emphasizing the state of being rusted/corroded.
  • Cánh cổng sắt đã han gỉ theo năm tháng. (The iron gate has rusted over the years.)
• "bị han": To be/become rusted. A common passive construction.
  • Dao không lau khô dễ bị han. (A knife not dried is prone to rusting.)

Variants and Related Words

• Han gỉ (n/adj): Rust, rusted. A more common and specific term for iron/steel rust.
• Gỉ (n/adj): Rust, rusted. The most common and modern word for rust.
• Rỉ sét (n): Rust, corrosion. Another common synonym.
• Oxit hóa (v): To oxidize. The chemical process.

Synonyms

• For rust/corrosion: Gỉ, rỉ sét, oxit.
• For the plant: Cây ngứa, Laportea (scientific name).
• For the verb (archaic): Hỏi, thăm hỏi, chất vấn (to ask, to inquire, to question).

Related Phrases (Collocations)

• Han sắt: Iron rust.
  • Han sắt làm yếu kết cấu kim loại. (Iron rust weakens the metal structure.)
• Đồ han: Rusted objects.
  • Bãi phế liệu đầy những đồ han. (The scrapyard is full of rusted objects.)

Related Idioms

• Ngứa như sờ phải lá han: Itchy as if touching a Laportea leaf. Used to describe an intense, irritating itch.
  • Sau khi đi rừng về, tôi ngứa như sờ phải lá han. (After coming back from the forest, I was as itchy as if I had touched a Laportea leaf.)

noun

1. verdigris