khai hoả
Definition
- Verb:
- To open fire, to commence firing: The act of starting to shoot weapons, typically in a military or combat context. It refers to the initial discharge of firearms or artillery in an engagement.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Đơn vị chúng tôi nhận lệnh khai hoả lúc 6 giờ sáng. (Our unit received the order to open fire at 6 a.m.)
- Sĩ quan chỉ huy ra hiệu để khai hoả. (The commanding officer gave the signal to commence firing.)
- Không được khai hoả nếu chưa có lệnh. (Do not open fire without an order.)
Advanced Usage
- "Khai hoả" is a formal and specific term, almost exclusively used in military, police, or related tactical contexts. It implies a coordinated, ordered action rather than random shooting.
- In historical or literary contexts, it can be used metaphorically to describe the beginning of a conflict or intense debate, though this is less common.
- Cuộc tranh luận trên nghị trường như một phát súng khai hoả cho nhiều cải cách. (The parliamentary debate was like an opening shot for many reforms.)
Variants and Related Words
- Nổ súng (verb): To fire a gun. This is a more general term for shooting and can be used outside of formal military commands.
- Bắn (verb): To shoot. The most general and common verb.
- Cuộc khai hoả (noun): The opening of fire, the initial barrage.
- Cuộc khai hoả diễn ra ác liệt. (The opening barrage was fierce.)
Synonyms
- Bắt đầu nổ súng: To begin shooting.
- Mở đợt tấn công bằng hỏa lực: To launch an attack with firepower.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
- Ra lệnh khai hoả: To give the order to open fire.
- Chờ hiệu lệnh khai hoả: To await the fire command.
Related Idioms
- Khai hoả mở màn: To open fire to commence (the battle). This emphasizes the inaugural nature of the action.
- Trận đánh được khai hoả mở màn bằng loạt đạn pháo. (The battle was commenced with an opening artillery salvo.)