Overview
The Vietnamese word 'vai' (pronounced approximately as 'vigh' or 'vie' with a slight upward tone) primarily refers to the 'shoulder' in the human anatomy. It encompasses the entire region where the arm connects to the torso.
Beyond its literal anatomical meaning, 'vai' can also be used in several idiomatic expressions and compound words to convey related concepts or metaphors:
- 1'Đôi vai' (Two shoulders): This often refers to someone's shoulders in a more general or poetic sense, especially when discussing strength, responsibility, or burdens. For example, 'đôi vai gánh vác' means 'shoulders that bear a burden.'
- 1'Gánh vác trên vai' (To carry on one's shoulders): This idiom signifies taking on a responsibility or burden. It's similar to the English phrase 'to shoulder a responsibility.'
- 1'Vai trò' (Role): This is a very common compound word where 'vai' contributes to the meaning of 'role' or 'part' that someone plays. 'Trò' means 'game' or 'play,' so 'vai trò' literally implies the 'shoulder of the play' or the part one carries in it.
- 1'Kề vai sát cánh' (Shoulder to shoulder): This idiomatic expression describes working closely together, in unity and support. It conveys a strong sense of camaraderie and collaboration, often in the face of challenges.
- 1'Chỉ vai' (Point to the shoulder): This could be used literally in a context of showing where the shoulder is, but less commonly found as a fixed idiom.
- 1'Đau vai' (Shoulder pain): A straightforward descriptive phrase for experiencing pain in the shoulder area.
- 1'Áo khoác vai' (Shoulder-padded jacket): Refers to a jacket with padding in the shoulders.
Understanding the tonal mark (the grave accent over the 'a') is crucial in Vietnamese, as it indicates the 'falling tone.' This tone helps differentiate 'vai' (shoulder) from other words that might be spelled similarly but have different tones and meanings. For instance, 'vài' (some/a few) has a different tone (the short rising tone, indicated by a question mark-like diacritic) and a completely different meaning.
In summary, 'vai' is a fundamental anatomical term with a rich set of extended meanings and idiomatic uses in the Vietnamese language, reflecting its importance in expressing physical actions, responsibilities, and social roles.
예시
Anh ấy đau vai.
Y tếHe has shoulder pain.
Cô ấy đeo một cái túi trên vai.
Hàng ngàyShe carries a bag on her shoulder.
Vai trò của anh ấy trong nhóm rất quan trọng.
Công việcHis role in the team is very important.
Đôi vai gầy gò của cô ấy rung lên vì lạnh.
Văn họcHer thin shoulders shivered with cold.
Tôi đã gánh vác mọi trách nhiệm lên vai mình.
Ẩn dụI have taken all the responsibilities on my shoulders.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 혼동되는 단어
Pronounced similarly to 'vai' (shoulder) but means 'role' or 'part' (e.g., in a play).
Pronounced similarly to 'vai' (shoulder) but is a vulgar exclamation or means 'to scatter/spread'.
문법 패턴
사용법
The Vietnamese word 'vai' primarily translates to 'shoulder.' It's a common noun used in various contexts. For example, 'đau vai' means 'shoulder pain,' and 'rộng vai' means 'broad-shouldered.' Beyond its literal meaning, 'vai' is frequently used in idiomatic expressions to convey concepts of responsibility, burden, and social standing. When talking about taking on duties, one might say 'gánh vác trách nhiệm trên vai' (to bear responsibility on one's shoulders). In the context of roles in a play or movie, 'vai' can also mean 'role' or 'part,' such as 'vai chính' (main role) or 'vai phụ' (supporting role). It's important to distinguish between 'vai' (shoulder) and 'vải' (fabric/cloth), as they are pronounced similarly but have different meanings and spellings. The tone and surrounding words will often clarify the intended meaning. When referring to someone's social status, 'vai vế' is used, emphasizing their position or influence.
Ensure correct tone and pronunciation to differentiate from similar-sounding words like 'vải' (fabric) or 'vái' (to bow/pray). The 'ai' vowel sound is crucial here.
어원
From Proto-Mon-Khmer *vaaj (shoulder).
문화적 맥락
In Vietnamese culture, the 'vai' or shoulder, holds practical and symbolic significance. Physically, it's essential for labor, carrying burdens, and traditional activities like farming or carrying goods in a shoulder pole. Metaphorically, 'vai' often represents responsibility and burden. Phrases like 'gánh vác trên vai' (to carry a burden on one's shoulders) or 'trên vai người phụ nữ' (on a woman's shoulders) highlight the weight of duties, especially for women in a family context, who often bear significant domestic and financial responsibilities. It can also symbolize support and protection, as in a 'bờ vai vững chắc' (strong shoulder) for someone to lean on during difficult times. The concept of 'vai vế' refers to one's social standing or position, further emphasizing its role in defining an individual's place and responsibilities within the community. The act of 'khoác vai' (putting an arm around someone's shoulder) is a gesture of camaraderie or intimacy among friends or lovers.
암기 팁
Visualize 'vai' (shoulder) as something you 'vie' for a good massage on, especially after carrying something heavy.
자주 묻는 질문
4 질문'Vai' in Vietnamese primarily translates to 'shoulder' in English. It refers to the part of the body connecting the neck and arm. In a broader sense, it can also be used metaphorically to describe responsibility or burden, as in 'gánh vác vai trò' (to shoulder a role/responsibility).
Yes, there are several common idioms and phrases involving 'vai'. For example, 'gánh vai' means 'to shoulder a burden or responsibility'. Another common phrase is 'kề vai sát cánh', which literally means 'shoulders close, wings close', and metaphorically describes working together in close cooperation or solidarity. 'Vai trò' directly translates to 'role' or 'part' that someone plays.
The pronunciation of 'vai' in Vietnamese is fairly straightforward. It's pronounced similar to the English word 'fie' but with a 'v' sound at the beginning. The 'ai' vowel combination is a diphthong, starting with an 'a' sound and gliding into an 'i' sound. There is no tone mark indicated, suggesting it's typically pronounced with a level or rising tone depending on the context in a sentence, though without a specific tone mark, it's often assumed to be a ngang (level) tone.
While 'shoulder' is the primary and most direct translation, 'vai' can indeed carry other nuanced meanings, especially when used in conjunction with other words or in idiomatic expressions. As mentioned, it can denote a 'role' or 'responsibility' ('vai trò'). In some contexts, it can also refer to a 'part' in a play or a 'character'. The meaning is largely determined by the surrounding words and the overall context of the sentence.
셀프 테스트 3 질문
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Perfect score!
예시
5 / 5Anh ấy đau vai.
He has shoulder pain.
Cô ấy đeo một cái túi trên vai.
She carries a bag on her shoulder.
Vai trò của anh ấy trong nhóm rất quan trọng.
His role in the team is very important.
Đôi vai gầy gò của cô ấy rung lên vì lạnh.
Her thin shoulders shivered with cold.
Tôi đã gánh vác mọi trách nhiệm lên vai mình.
I have taken all the responsibilities on my shoulders.
