Overview
The word 'Cao' in Vietnamese is a versatile adjective with several distinct meanings depending on the context. Its primary and most common meaning is 'tall' or 'high', referring to physical height or elevation. For instance, 'người cao' means 'tall person' and 'tòa nhà cao' means 'tall building'. This is often used when describing people, objects, or geographical features.
Beyond physical dimensions, 'Cao' can also describe the intensity or volume of something. When referring to sound, 'nói cao' or 'tiếng nói cao' can mean 'speak loudly' or 'a loud voice', respectively. It implies a high level of audibility. In this context, it is similar to the English 'loud'.
Another significant usage of 'Cao' relates to cost or value, translating to 'expensive'. For example, 'giá cao' means 'high price' or 'expensive price', and 'mặt hàng cao cấp' refers to 'high-end products'. This usage is common in commercial and economic discussions.
Furthermore, 'Cao' is employed to denote a superior level, quality, or standard. Phrases like 'công nghệ cao' (high technology), 'trình độ cao' (high level/skill), or 'chất lượng cao' (high quality) exemplify this usage. It suggests advancement, excellence, or a position of advantage.
Finally, 'Cao' can convey a sense of nobility, loftiness, or elevated moral standing. For instance, 'lý tưởng cao đẹp' translates to 'noble ideals', and 'phẩm giá cao cả' means 'high dignity' or 'noble character'. This usage delves into abstract concepts and human values.
Understanding the various contexts in which 'Cao' is used is crucial for accurate comprehension and communication in Vietnamese. Its meaning is often clarified by the accompanying noun or the overall sentence structure.
Ejemplos
Anh ấy rất cao.
Describing height of a person.He is very tall.
Toà nhà này cao thật.
Describing height of an object/structure.This building is really high.
Cô ấy có một địa vị xã hội cao.
Describing status/position.She has a high social status.
Nước lên cao quá.
Describing a level or degree.The water level is too high.
Mức lương của anh ấy khá cao.
Describing a value or amount.His salary is quite high.
Colocaciones comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
'Cao' means 'tall' or 'high', while 'chao' is a greeting similar to 'hello'.
'Cao' means 'tall' or 'high', while 'cau' refers to the betel nut palm or can mean 'to ask'.
Patrones gramaticales
Cómo usarlo
'Cao' is an adjective in Vietnamese, primarily meaning 'tall' or 'high.' It is used directly after the noun it modifies or after a linking verb. For example, 'người cao' means 'tall person,' and 'tòa nhà cao' means 'tall building.' It can also describe abstract concepts, such as 'giọng cao' (high-pitched voice) or 'giá cao' (high price). When comparing, 'cao hơn' means 'taller/higher than.' The superlative is 'cao nhất,' meaning 'tallest/highest.' It is often paired with other adjectives to express nuances, like 'cao lớn' (tall and big/hefty) or 'cao vút' (soaring high). Context is crucial for understanding the precise meaning, as 'cao' can also appear in fixed expressions where its meaning is idiomatic, such as 'cao thủ' (master/expert). It does not change form for gender or number.
Vietnamese is a tonal language, and 'Cao' has a specific tone (rising tone). Mispronouncing the tone can change the meaning of the word or make it difficult for native speakers to understand. Pay attention to the rising tone when practicing. Also, remember that 'Cao' can refer to height in general (tall, high) or a high degree/level of something (e.g., high quality, high temperature).
Origen de la palabra
Sino-Vietnamese word from Chinese '高' (gāo).
Contexto cultural
In Vietnamese culture, physical height, or 'chiều cao,' is often admired, especially in men, and can be associated with health and good genes. However, 'cao' also carries broader metaphorical meanings beyond literal height. It can refer to high social status, noble character, or advanced knowledge, as in 'người cao sang' (a person of high status) or 'trình độ cao' (high level of expertise). Historically, height was sometimes linked to spiritual significance or leadership qualities in folklore and traditional narratives. The term can also be part of idioms or proverbs that reflect cultural values, such as valuing ambition or striving for excellence. For example, 'đặt mục tiêu cao' means to set high goals.
Truco para recordar
Visualize a tall, towering mountain, reaching high into the sky. Associate 'Cao' with the peak, the 'top' or 'highest' point.
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntas'Cao' in Vietnamese primarily means 'tall' or 'high'. It's a very common adjective used to describe the height of people, objects, or even abstract concepts like 'high standards' or 'high quality'. For instance, một người đàn ông cao (a tall man), một cái cây cao (a tall tree), or đỉnh núi cao (high mountain peak) are all common usages. It can also imply 'loud' in specific contexts like tiếng nói cao (loud voice) or 'superior' in terms of rank or position, such as cấp bậc cao (high rank). The meaning often depends on the context of its use.
Yes, absolutely! While 'Cao' most literally translates to 'tall' or 'high' in reference to physical dimensions, its usage extends beyond that. For example, you can use 'cao' to describe 'high' levels or standards, such as chất lượng cao (high quality) or tiêu chuẩn cao (high standards). It can also refer to a 'high' pitch or volume in sound, like giọng cao (high-pitched voice) or tiếng nói cao (loud voice). Furthermore, 'cao' can indicate a 'high' position or rank, as in chức vụ cao (high position) or cấp bậc cao (high rank). So, its application is quite versatile in Vietnamese.
Indeed, 'Cao' appears in many common phrases and idioms in Vietnamese. Some examples include: 'Cao cả' (noble, lofty), often used to describe ideals or character. 'Cao thượng' (magnanimous, chivalrous), referring to a generous and honorable spirit. 'Cao điểm' (peak, climax), which can refer to a high point in time or a location. 'Cao thủ' (master, expert), denoting someone highly skilled in a particular field. Another common one is 'Cao bay xa chạy' (to flee far away), implying escaping quickly and going a long distance. These phrases demonstrate the diverse ways 'cao' contributes to the richness of the Vietnamese language.
The primary antonym for 'Cao' (tall/high) in Vietnamese is 'Thấp' (short/low). For instance, if you have một người đàn ông cao (a tall man), the opposite would be một người đàn ông thấp (a short man). Similarly, for một cái bàn cao (a high table), you would say một cái bàn thấp (a low table). When 'cao' refers to 'loud', its opposite would be 'nhỏ' (small, soft) in the context of sound, like tiếng nói nhỏ (soft voice). If 'cao' means 'superior' in rank, then 'thấp' could also apply, meaning 'low rank' or 'inferior position'. The most direct and universally applicable opposite is 'thấp'.
Ponte a prueba
Anh ấy rất ____.
Tòa nhà này ____ hơn tòa nhà kia.
Cô ấy có một cái mũi ____.
Puntuación: /3
Ejemplos
5 de 5Anh ấy rất cao.
He is very tall.
Toà nhà này cao thật.
This building is really high.
Cô ấy có một địa vị xã hội cao.
She has a high social status.
Nước lên cao quá.
The water level is too high.
Mức lương của anh ấy khá cao.
His salary is quite high.
