The Vietnamese word "cha ghẻ" means "stepfather" in English. It refers to a man who is married to someone's mother but is not their biological father. The term can sometimes carry a negative connotation, especially in stories or tales where a stepfather is depicted as unkind or unfair.
In literature and conversations, "cha ghẻ" can be used to discuss family dynamics or relationships where a stepfather might not have a nurturing role. It can also be part of idiomatic expressions to signify unfair treatment, similar to "step-parent" in English when discussing negative family situations.
While "cha ghẻ" primarily means "stepfather," it can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is unkind or neglectful in a guardian-like role, especially in fairy tales or moral stories.