khươi
Definition
- Verb:
- To start, to initiate, to begin something: "khươi" means to commence an action, process, or conversation. It often implies the initial act of setting something in motion.
- To provoke, to stir up (a topic or feeling): It can also mean to bring up a subject, often one that is delicate, complex, or previously dormant, thereby initiating discussion or thought about it.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Anh ấy khươi câu chuyện cũ làm mọi người bối rối. (He brought up the old story, making everyone uneasy.)
- Đừng khươi chuyện đó ra nữa. (Don't bring that matter up again.)
- Cô ấy khươi mào cho một cuộc thảo luận sôi nổi. (She initiated a lively discussion.)
Advanced Usage
"khươi chuyện": to bring up a topic or story, often one that is sensitive or controversial.
- Anh ta thích khươi chuyện quá khứ. (He likes to bring up past matters.)
"khươi mào": to start, to set off, to trigger (an event or series of events). This is a fixed phrase.
- Sự kiện nhỏ đó đã khươi mào cho một cuộc khủng hoảng. (That small event triggered a crisis.)
Variants and Related Words
- Khơi (verb): This is the standard, more common synonym for "khươi". "Khươi" is considered a dialectal variant of "khơi". Both share the core meanings of "to start" or "to dredge up".
- Khơi lại kỷ niệm (To dredge up memories)
- Khơi mào (To initiate, to start)
Synonyms
- Bắt đầu (verb): to begin, to start.
- Mở đầu (verb): to open, to commence.
- Gợi lên (verb): to evoke, to bring forth (a feeling or memory).
- Châm ngòi (verb): to ignite, to trigger (often for conflicts).
Notes on Usage
- Register: "Khươi" is primarily used in dialectal or colloquial Northern Vietnamese speech. In formal writing and standard communication, "khơi" is the preferred and universally understood term.
- Meaning Nuance: Whether meaning "to start" or "to provoke," the word often carries a connotation of initiating something that may have significant or unfolding consequences. It is not typically used for mundane beginnings (like starting a car).