bơ

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The Vietnamese word "bơ" has several meanings and usages, making it quite interesting to learn. Here’s a detailed explanation for beginners:

Basic Meaning

1. Noun: Butter

   • The most common meaning of "bơ" is butter. It is a dairy product made by churning cream or milk. In Vietnamese cuisine, butter is often used in cooking and baking, and it can be spread on bread.
   • Usage Example: "Tôi thích ăn bánh mì phết bơ." (I like to eat bread spread with butter.)

2. Noun: Table Leavings

   • "Bơ" can also refer to bơ thừa sữa cặn or cơm thừa canh cặn, which means leftovers or remnants of food left on the table that are often intended for hirelings or workers.
   • Usage Example: "Để lại bơ cho người giúp việc." (Leave the leftovers for the helper.)

3. Noun: Measure

   • In some contexts, "bơ" can mean a measure made from an empty condensed milk tin, often used in rural areas for measuring rice or other grains.
   • Usage Example: "Mình sẽ dùng ống bơ để đo gạo." (I will use the condensed milk tin to measure the rice.)

Advanced Usage

• Adjective: Cold/Indifferent
  • "Bơ" can also be used as an adjective meaning cold or indifferent. In this context, it describes someone who remains emotionally detached or does not pay attention to something.
  • Usage Example: "Cô ấy vẫn cứ bơ đi, không buồn để ý." (She remains cold and does not pay any attention.)

Word Variants

• Bơ does not have many direct variants, but it can be combined with other words to form phrases, such as:
  • Bánh mì bơ: Bread with butter.
  • Bơ thực vật: Margarine (plant-based butter).

Different Meanings and Synonyms

• Synonyms for butter:

  • Dầu ăn: Cooking oil (not exactly the same, but related in cooking contexts).

• Synonyms for indifferent:

  • Thờ ơ: Indifferent, apathetic.

Summary

In summary, "bơ" is a versatile word in Vietnamese that primarily means butter but can also refer to leftovers or a measuring device. Additionally, it can describe a cold or indifferent attitude.

Academic

noun

1. Butter
   • bánh mì phết bơ
     Bread spread with butter, bread and butter
   • bơ thừa sữa cặn, cơm thừa canh cặn
     table leavings (left to hirelings)
   • ống bơ
     measure (made of an empty condensed milk tin)

adj

1. Cold
   • vẫn cứ bơ đi không buồn để ý
     to remain cold and not pay any attention