The Vietnamese word "bả vai" refers to the "shoulder blade" or "scapula," which is the flat bone located at the back of your shoulder. It connects the upper arm bone (humerus) with the collarbone (clavicle). It plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability.
In more advanced contexts, "bả vai" can also be used metaphorically to discuss burdens or responsibilities, similar to how we might say someone is "carrying a heavy load on their shoulders" in English.
While "bả vai" primarily refers to the shoulder blade in a physical sense, it can also imply the idea of being burdened with responsibilities in a figurative expression.