mựa

Một người nông dân mựa trâu trên cánh đồng lúa.

Definition

1. Adverb (Particle):
   • Do not / Do not (archaic): An archaic negative imperative particle used to strongly advise or command someone not to do something. It is equivalent to modern "đừng" or "chớ".
   • Be careful not to / Guard against: Carries a nuance of warning or caution against a specific action to avoid negative consequences.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (Particle):
  • Chăn dân mựa nữa mất lòng dân. (When governing the people, do not lose their hearts.)
  • Mựa làm điều đó. (Do not do that. [archaic usage])

Advanced Usage

• This word is primarily found in classical or literary Vietnamese texts, especially from the medieval period. Its usage in modern conversation is extremely rare and would be considered poetic or deliberately archaic.

Variants and Related Words

• Đừng (adv): The standard modern word for "do not" in prohibitions.
• Chớ (adv): A slightly literary or formal synonym for "do not," also used in warnings.

Synonyms

• Do not: Used to form a negative command.
• Refrain from: To stop oneself from doing something.
• Avoid: To keep away from or stop an action.

Related Idioms

• As an archaic particle, "mựa" itself is not commonly used in modern idioms. However, it appears in fixed phrases from classical literature, such as the example from Nguyễn Trãi.