Definition

1. Noun:
   • A covering roof or shelter: A structure, often a roof or an overhanging part of a building, designed to provide protection from sun, rain, or other weather conditions. It is typically not fully enclosed.
   • An awning or canopy: A secondary roof-like cover, often made of fabric, metal, or other materials, extending from a wall or structure to provide shade or shelter.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Chúng tôi ngồi uống cà phê dưới mái che. (We sat drinking coffee under the shelter/awning.)
  • Nhà ga mới có mái che rộng cho hành khách. (The new station has a wide shelter for passengers.)
  • Anh ấy lắp một mái che bằng kính cho lối vào. (He installed a glass canopy for the entrance.)

Advanced Usage

• In architectural contexts, "mái che" often refers to specific structural elements like porte-cochères (covered vehicle entrances) or overhangs designed for aesthetic and functional purposes.
  • Kiến trúc sư thiết kế một mái che hiện đại bằng bê tông. (The architect designed a modern concrete overhang.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mái hiên (n): porch roof, veranda roof. Often used interchangeably with "mái che" but can imply a more attached, architectural feature.

  • Mái hiên nhà tôi được trang trí đẹp. (My house's porch roof is beautifully decorated.)

• Ô dù (n): umbrella, parasol. A portable, usually fabric-covered shelter on a central pole.

• Tán (n): canopy, often referring to a natural cover like a tree canopy or a fabric canopy.

Synonyms

• Shelter: A structure that provides cover or protection.
• Awning: A sheet of canvas or other material stretched on a frame and used to shelter a window or doorway.
• Canopy: An overhead roof or covering.
• Overhang: A part of a structure that extends outwards beyond its main support.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Che nắng che mưa: To shield from sun and rain. This phrase describes the primary function of a "mái che."
  • Cái mái che nhỏ này đủ để che nắng che mưa. (This small shelter is enough to shield from sun and rain.)