nam

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The Vietnamese word "nam" has several meanings and uses, which can be categorized into two main areas: as a noun referring to direction or gender.

Meanings and Usage:

1. Direction (South):

   • Meaning: In this context, "nam" refers to the southern direction or the south.
   • Usage: It is often used in geographical descriptions or when giving directions.
   • Example: "Tôi đi về phương nam." (I am going toward the south.)

2. Gender (Man; Male):

   • Meaning: "Nam" can also mean a man or male. It is used to denote the male gender in various contexts.
   • Usage: This usage is common in everyday conversations, official documents, and when referring to people.
   • Example: "Anh ấy là một người nam." (He is a man.)

Advanced Usage:

• Nam thí sinh: This phrase combines "nam" (male) with "thí sinh" (candidate), meaning "male candidate." It is often used in contexts such as job applications or competitions.
  • Example: "Trong cuộc thi này, có nhiều nam thí sinh." (In this competition, there are many male candidates.)

Word Variants:

• Nữ: This is the opposite of "nam," meaning female or woman.
• Nam tính: This adjective means masculine or manly.
• Nam giới: This phrase means the male gender or men as a group.

Different Meanings:

While "nam" primarily refers to "south" or "male," context is crucial in determining its meaning. For example: - As a direction, it can be used in geographic contexts. - As a gender term, it can appear in discussions about equality, demographics, or roles in society.

Synonyms:

• For "south":

  • Phương nam: A phrase meaning "the south" (used in a more formal sense).

• For "man/male":

  • Đàn ông: Another term for man.
  • Nam nhân: A more formal or literary term for a male person.

Summary:

The word "nam" is versatile in Vietnamese, with meanings related to both direction and gender. When learning Vietnamese, understanding the context in which "nam" is used will help clarify its meaning.

Academic

noun

1. south
   • phương nam
     southward

noun

1. man; male
   • nam thí sinh
     male candidate