khai phá
[xaːj˧˧ faː˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(verb) to colonize; to cultivate for exploitation
Verb
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Dẫu thằng Pháp có tội khai phá thuộc địa nước ta nhưng chính nó cũng đã để lại một nền giáo dục tiên tiến tầm cỡ thế giới cơ mà.The French had left our country with one of the world's most advanced education facilities behind despite their blame for the local exploitation.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Common questions
What does “khai phá” mean?
(verb) to colonize; to cultivate for exploitation
Is “khai phá” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.