The Vietnamese word "bố cái" is an old term that refers to "father" and "mother," essentially meaning "parents." It combines "bố," which means "father," and "cái," which is a word that can signify something large or important in some contexts. However, in this case, it emphasizes the role of the parents.
In more formal or literary texts, you might encounter "bố cái" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to reflect on traditional family values.
While "bố cái" primarily refers to parents, it can also be used metaphorically in literature or songs to represent family unity or the importance of parental guidance.
Overall, "bố cái" is a term that connects deeply to Vietnamese family values, representing the foundational role of parents in a person's life.