sây
Definition
- Verb:
- To graze / to scrape (the skin): To cause a minor, superficial injury where the top layer of skin is rubbed or scraped off, often resulting in a raw, tender area but not deep bleeding.
- To abrade: To wear away the surface of something through friction, specifically referring to skin.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Đứa bé bị sây đầu gối khi ngã. (The child grazed his knee when he fell.)
- Cẩn thận kẻo sây da tay. (Be careful not to scrape the skin on your hands.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "sây" is very often used in its reduplicated form "sây sát", which carries the same core meaning but can sometimes imply multiple minor abrasions or a slightly more noticeable area of damage.
- Sau tai nạn nhẹ, anh ấy chỉ bị sây sát ở tay. (After the minor accident, he only suffered abrasions on his arm.)
Variants and Related Words
- Sây sát (v/n): A common variant meaning to graze/abrade (verb) or a graze/abrasion (noun).
- Vết sây sát nhỏ không cần băng bó. (A small abrasion does not need bandaging.)
Synonyms
- To graze: To scrape and break the surface of the skin.
- To scrape: To rub against a rough surface, causing a superficial injury.
- To abrade: To wear away skin by friction.
Notes on Usage
- "Sây" describes a very specific, common type of minor injury. It is less severe than a cut (cắt) or a deep wound (vết thương).
- It is frequently used in everyday contexts concerning children's injuries or minor accidents.