Definition

1. Noun:
   • A barrier, typically a railing or balustrade, constructed along the edge of a raised surface such as a balcony, bridge, staircase, or terrace to prevent falls.
   • A handrail or banister specifically on a staircase, designed to provide support.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Đứa bé đứng tựa vào lan can ban công. (The child stood leaning against the balcony railing.)
  • Hãy vịn lan can khi đi xuống cầu thang. (Please hold the handrail when going down the stairs.)
  • Lan can cây cầu mới được sơn màu trắng. (The parapet of the new bridge was painted white.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "lan can" is a general word for a protective railing. The specific type is often understood from context (e.g., "lan can cầu thang" is a staircase banister, "lan can cầu" is a bridge parapet).

Variants and Related Words

• Tay vịn (n): This word more specifically emphasizes the part of the railing designed to be held by hand (the handrail), often used interchangeably with "lan can" for staircases.
  • Tay vịn cầu thang bị lỏng. (The staircase handrail is loose.)
• Thành chắn (n): A broader term for a barrier or guardrail, which can include "lan can" but also applies to other protective barriers (e.g., on a highway).

Synonyms

• Railing: A fence or barrier made of rails and supports.
• Balustrade: A railing supported by a row of small posts (balusters).
• Parapet: A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony.
• Banister/Handrail: The rail designed for holding, especially on a staircase.

Related Concepts

• Rào chắn (n): A barrier or fence, typically not used for architectural features like balconies or stairs but for blocking areas (e.g., construction barrier).
• Chấn song (n): The vertical bars or balusters within a "lan can."

noun

1. banister; hand-rail