The Vietnamese word "chõ" has a few different meanings and uses, primarily as a noun and a verb.
Meanings and Usage
Definition: "Chõ" refers to a type of steamer, specifically used for steaming sticky rice.
Usage: It is commonly used in cooking, especially in Vietnamese cuisine where sticky rice is a staple.
Example: "Bà tôi thường dùng chõ để hấp xôi." (My grandmother often uses the steamer to steam sticky rice.)
Verb (To Direct One's Mouth)
Definition: As a verb, "chõ" means to direct one's mouth towards something or someone, often to speak or call out.
Usage: This can imply speaking loudly or calling out to someone in a different location.
Example: "Cô ấy chõ mồm gọi tôi từ dưới nhà." (She called me from downstairs.)
Advanced Usage
Chõ mõm lên gác, gọi to lên: This phrase means to shout or call out loudly to someone upstairs.
Chõ mồm, chõ miệng: These phrases refer to giving one's opinion or speaking up, often when it is unsolicited.
Word Variants
While "chõ" itself does not have many direct variants, it can be used in different contexts to convey related meanings depending on what you are talking about.
Different Meanings
Steamer: This is the primary definition, referring to a cooking utensil.
To call out/speak up: This is a more colloquial usage, often implying an informal or casual conversation.
Synonyms
For the noun meaning "steamer", you might find "nồi hấp" (steamer pot) as a synonym.
For the verb usage, synonyms could include "kêu" (to call) or "nói" (to speak), but these can carry slightly different nuances.
Summary
In summary, "chõ" is a versatile word in Vietnamese, serving both as a noun for a cooking tool and as a verb for directing one's speech.