The Vietnamese word "bọ" primarily means "insect" or "bug." It is a noun used to refer to various kinds of small creatures, especially those in the insect family.
In more specific contexts, "bọ" can also refer to pests or insects that may cause problems, such as in agriculture or when talking about pets. For example, you might say "giết bọ cho chó", which means "to rid a dog of insects." This indicates a concern for the health and cleanliness of pets.
Apart from its primary meaning as "insect," "bọ" can also refer to maggots in certain contexts. For example, "mắm có bọ" translates to "the pickled fish is full of maggots." Here, "bọ" emphasizes the undesirable aspect of decay or infestation.
In summary, "bọ" is a versatile word in Vietnamese that primarily means "insect," but can also refer to specific types of insects or pests. It is used in everyday conversation as well as in more specific contexts related to health and cleanliness.