No. 298 in Vietnamese
ký
The Vietnamese word "ký" can mean "sign" (as in to sign a document) or "note" (as in to record), depending on context.
In a sentence
Tôi đã ký hợp đồng mới hôm qua.
I signed a new contract yesterday.
Here, 'ký' means 'to sign', referring to executing a signature on a document.
Ký ức của tôi về ngày hôm đó rất rõ ràng.
My memory of that day is very clear.
In this instance, 'ký' is part of 'ký ức', which means 'memory', showing its use in a compound word.
Anh ấy là một nhà văn xuất sắc, thật đáng để ký tên vào cuốn sách của anh ấy.
He is an excellent writer; it's worth having his signature in his book.
Here, 'ký' as part of 'ký tên' means 'to sign one's name', again attaching to authority or identity verification.
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