mối

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "mối" has a few different meanings, and it can be used in various contexts. Below is a breakdown to help you understand its uses better.

Basic Meanings:

1. Termite (noun):

   • In this context, "mối" refers to a small insect known for eating wood and causing damage to buildings and furniture. Termites are sometimes called "white ants" because of their pale color.
   • Example: "Mối ăn gỗ." (Termites eat wood.)

2. Cause of Misfortune (noun):

   • "Mối" can also mean a cause or source of trouble or misfortune. This is often used in a more abstract or metaphorical way.
   • Example: "Đó là mối họa lớn." (That is a great cause of misfortune.)

Usage Instructions:

• When you want to talk about insects, you will use "mối" to refer to termites specifically.
• When discussing problems, difficulties, or sources of bad luck, you can use "mối" in phrases like "mối họa" to denote the cause of misfortune.

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or poetry, "mối" can be used metaphorically to describe various types of problems or threats, not just limited to physical destruction but also emotional or social issues.
• Example in literature: "Tình yêu có thể trở thành mối họa nếu không được chăm sóc." (Love can become a cause of misfortune if not nurtured.)

Word Variants:

• "Mối" can be combined with other words to create phrases, such as:
  • "mối quan hệ" (relationship)
  • "mối đe dọa" (threat)

Different Meanings:

• Besides the meanings mentioned, "mối" can also refer to a connection or relationship in some contexts, particularly when paired with other words.

Synonyms:

• For "termite," there are no direct synonyms, but related words include "côn trùng ăn gỗ" (wood-eating insect).
• For "cause of misfortune," synonyms might include "nguyên nhân" (cause) or "nguồn gốc" (origin).

Summary:

• "Mối" is a versatile word in Vietnamese. It primarily means "termite" when referring to insects and can also denote a source of misfortune in a broader sense.

Academic

noun

1. termite; white ant

noun

1. cause
   • mối họa
     cause of misfortune