Definition

1. Noun:

   • A lock or padlock: A device used to fasten something, typically a door, lid, or container, requiring a key or combination to open.
   • A key: An object shaped to operate a specific lock by moving its internal mechanism. (Note: This meaning is less common in modern usage, where "chìa khóa" is standard for "key").
   • A buckle or clasp: A fastening device, often on a belt or bag.
   • A class, session, or cohort: A group of students who begin and complete a course of study together; a legislative or administrative term.

2. Verb:

   • To lock: To fasten or secure something with a lock.
   • To turn off, shut, or close: To stop the flow or operation of something, such as water or a device; to conclude a record or list.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Tôi mua một cái khoá mới cho cổng. (I bought a new lock for the gate.)
  • Khoá thắt lưng này bị gãy. (This belt buckle is broken.)
  • Anh ấy là sinh viên khoá 2020. (He is a student of the class of 2020.)

• Verb:

  • Hãy khoá cửa cẩn thận. (Please lock the door carefully.)
  • Khoá vòi nước lại khi không sử dụng. (Turn off the water tap when not in use.)
  • Công ty sẽ khoá sổ vào cuối tháng. (The company will close the books at the month's end.)

Advanced Usage

• "khoá học": A course of study.

  • Cô ấy đang tham gia một khoá học tiếng Anh. (She is taking an English course.)

• "khoá chặt": To lock tightly or secure firmly.

  • Họ khoá chặt tất cả cửa sổ. (They locked all the windows tightly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khoá cửa (v/n): To lock a door / a door lock.
• Khoá ngoài (n): A padlock.
• Khoá số (n): A combination lock.
• Khoá vặn (n): A screw lock or valve.
• Đóng khoá (v): To lock, to shut (less common than "khoá" alone).

Synonyms

• Lock: Fastening device (noun); to fasten (verb).
• Shut off: To stop the operation (verb).
• Cohort: A group or class (noun).
• Buckle: A clasp (noun).

Related Idioms

• Khoá miệng: To silence someone; to prevent someone from speaking.

  • Họ cố gắng khoá miệng nhân chứng. (They tried to silence the witness.)

• Khoá chân tại phòng: To be grounded or confined to a room.

  • Vì bị điểm kém, nó bị khoá chân tại phòng cả tuần. (Because of bad grades, he was confined to his room for a whole week.)

noun

1. Lock. padlock
   • Khoá cửa lại
     To lock the door
2. Lock
   • Khoá an toàn
     A safety lock
3. Key
   • Khoá mật mã
     A cipher key, a coding key
4. Buckle

verb

1. Turn off
   • Khoá vòi nước lại
     To turn off the water tap
2. Close
   • Khoá sổ
     To close a list
3. Buckle