The Vietnamese word "ngả" is a versatile word that can serve different purposes in sentences. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand its meanings and usage:
Meanings and Usage:
As a Noun - Direction/Way:
Meaning: "Ngả" can refer to a direction or way that someone takes.
Example: "Cô ta đi ngả nào?" translates to "In which direction did she go?"
Usage Instructions: You can use "ngả" when asking about the path someone has taken or the direction of movement.
Meaning: "Ngả" can also mean to ferment, particularly in relation to food items.
Example: "Ngả một chum tương" means "to ferment a jar of soya sauce."
Usage Instructions: Use "ngả" in cooking contexts when discussing the fermentation process of foods.
As a Verb - To Turn (Color Change):
Meaning: It can refer to a change in color, especially when something turns yellow over time.
Example: "Giấy để lâu quá đã ngả vàng" translates to "This paper has been kept too long and has turned yellow."
Usage Instructions: Use this meaning when talking about items that change color due to age or exposure.
Meaning: "Ngả" can mean to lean or incline.
Example: "Ngả người trên ghế" means "to lean one's head back on the chair."
Usage Instructions: Use this when describing a physical position or posture.
As a Verb - To Kill (Less Common):
Meaning: In some contexts, "ngả" can also mean to kill, but this usage is less common and more context-specific.
Example: "Ngả đối thủ" could mean "to take down the opponent."
Usage Instructions: Be cautious with this meaning, as it can have serious implications. It's often used in more intense contexts, like sports or conflict.
Variants:
Synonyms:
For the noun meaning of direction, a synonym could be "hướng."
For leaning, you might use "dựa" (to lean against).
For turning color, "biến màu" (to change color) could be used.
Advanced Usage:
In more complicated sentences, "ngả" can be combined with other verbs to create idiomatic expressions. For example, "ngả bài" in a card game context refers to revealing one's cards or intentions.
Conclusion:
The word "ngả" is quite flexible in the Vietnamese language and can be used in various contexts. Understanding its different meanings will help you use it appropriately in conversation.