bèo

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The Vietnamese word "bèo" primarily refers to a type of aquatic plant known as "water-fern." It is often found floating on the surface of ponds and lakes.

Basic Meaning:

• Bèo (water-fern): This plant is commonly used in Vietnamese culture and can symbolize humility or simplicity due to its prevalence in rural areas.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "bèo" in various contexts, such as talking about the plant itself, or using it metaphorically in phrases or idioms.

Examples:

1. Thả bèo: This means "to float water-fern" or "to grow water-fern" on a pond.

   • Example: "Chúng ta sẽ thả bèo trong ao để làm đẹp cảnh quan." (We will float water-fern in the pond to beautify the landscape.)

2. Băm bèo, thái khoai: This phrase comes from a folk saying and means "to chop up water-fern and slice sweet potato."

   • Example: "Vì chưng bác mẹ tôi nghèo, cho nên tôi phải băm bèo, thái khoai." (Because my folks are poor, I have to chop up water-fern and slice sweet potato.)

Advanced Usage:

• The word "bèo" can also be used in idiomatic expressions. For instance:
  • Rẻ như bèo: This translates to "dirt-cheap."

Word Variants:

• Bèo tây: This refers to the specific type of water-fern known as "water hyacinth."
• Bèo cái: This is another term for a different species of water-fern.

Different Meanings:

• Aside from its literal meaning as a plant, "bèo" can also convey notions of being cheap or of little value, as seen in the expression "rẻ như bèo."

Synonyms:

• Rẻ: This means "cheap."
• Bình dân: This translates to "common" or "ordinary," and can also convey a sense of simplicity.

Academic

1. Water-fern
   • Thả bèo
     To float water-fern, to grow water-fern (on a pond)
   • Vì chưng bác mẹ tôi nghèo, cho nên tôi phải băm bèo, thái khoai (ca dao)
     Because my folks are poor, I have to chop up water-fern and slice sweet potato
   • Rẻ như bèo
     Dirt-cheap