A contrastive analysis of the meaning of the dimension word 深 in Chinese and “sâu” in Vietnamese

Abstract

Dimension words are used to describe the attributes of height, length, thickness, depth, etc., of an object in space providing information about the shape and dimensions of objects. The research focuses on comparing the semantics of the monosyllabic dimension word “深” in Chinese and “sâu” in Vietnamese. The research results show that, originating from the concept of space, dimension words have developed a rich range of metaphorical meanings, such as expressing the depth of emotions, knowledge, and levels. The comparison process clarifies the similarities and differences in how Chinese and Vietnamese people perceive and express the world around them through language.