thời kế
Definition
- Noun:
- Chronometer: A highly precise timekeeping instrument, historically used for determining longitude at sea. In modern usage, it often refers to any very accurate watch or clock, especially one tested and certified for precision.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Nhà thám hiểm dựa vào chiếc thời kế để xác định vị trí chính xác trên biển. (The explorer relied on the chronometer to determine his exact position at sea.)
- Chiếc đồng hồ này không phải đồng hồ thông thường, nó là một thời kế chính xác. (This watch is not an ordinary one; it is a precise chronometer.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "thời kế" is a specialized, technical term. In everyday conversation, words like "đồng hồ" (clock/watch) or "đồng hồ bấm giờ" (stopwatch) are far more common. "Thời kế" specifically implies a high standard of accuracy and is often used in historical, scientific, or horological contexts.
Variants and Related Words
- Đồng hồ (n): A general term for clock or watch.
- Đồng hồ bấm giờ / Đồng hồ thể thao (n): Stopwatch, sports watch.
- Đồng hồ định vị (n): Navigation watch (a modern term with a similar function to a historical marine chronometer).
Synonyms
- Precision timepiece
- Marine chronometer (for the specific historical instrument)
- Certified watch
Notes on Usage
- "Thời kế" is a rare and formal word in contemporary Vietnamese. Learners are much more likely to encounter and should primarily use "đồng hồ" for general timepieces. The use of "thời kế" is typically reserved for discussing specific, high-precision instruments or in historical texts.