Definition

1. Noun:
   • Compass: A navigational instrument containing a magnetized pointer (a magnetic needle) that shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it, used for determining direction.

Usage Examples

• (The explorer used a compass to navigate in the forest.)
• (The compass needle always points to the North.)
• (Before going hiking, check your compass.)

Advanced Usage

• "la bàn từ": magnetic compass. The standard type of compass that uses Earth's magnetic field.
  • La bàn từ có thể bị ảnh hưởng bởi các vật kim loại lớn. (A magnetic compass can be affected by large metal objects.)
• "la bàn vô tuyến" / "la bàn điện tử": radio compass or electronic compass. An aviation or modern instrument that uses radio signals or electronic sensors instead of a magnetic needle.
  • Máy bay được trang bị la bàn vô tuyến. (The aircraft is equipped with a radio compass.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kim la bàn (n): compass needle.
  • Kim la bàn được từ hóa. (The compass needle is magnetized.)
• Hộp la bàn (n): compass housing or casing.
  • Hộp la bàn thường được làm bằng nhựa trong suốt. (The compass housing is usually made of transparent plastic.)

Synonyms

• Navigational instrument: A device used for finding direction.
• Direction-finder: A general term for equipment that determines direction.

Related Idioms and Expressions

• La bàn đạo đức: Moral compass (a metaphorical use).
  • Lương tâm là la bàn đạo đức của mỗi người. (Conscience is each person's moral compass.)
• Chỉ như kim la bàn: To point/indicate as steadily as a compass needle (often used metaphorically for unwavering focus or direction).
  • Mục tiêu của anh ấy chỉ như kim la bàn. (His goal is as steady as a compass needle.)

noun

1. compass