khóa
/xwaː˧˦/A key, especially for a lock or a musical instrument.
Tôi mất khóa nhà.
I lost the key to the house.
In Vietnamese, 'khóa' can also refer to a key in a musical context, such as a piano key.
A lock or a mechanism that secures something.
Cửa có khóa an toàn.
The door has a safety lock.
This meaning is less common but still used in technical contexts.
A key or solution to a problem.
Khóa để giải quyết vấn đề này là phải thay đổi cách tiếp cận.
The key to solving this problem is to change the approach.
This figurative use is common in Vietnamese.
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💡Pro Tip
Figurative Use
Remember that 'khóa' can also mean a solution or a crucial element in a problem.
⚡Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
Use 'khóa' for both literal and figurative meanings, but ensure the context makes the intended meaning clear.
📖Word Origin
From Sino-Vietnamese 'khóa' (鎖), meaning 'lock' or 'key'.
📝Usage Notes
The word 'khóa' is commonly used in both literal and figurative senses. In technical contexts, it can refer to a lock or a key, while in everyday language, it often means a solution or a crucial element.