cà

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The Vietnamese word "cà" is a versatile term that can refer to various meanings and usages. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it better:

Basic Meaning:

1. Noun (Eggplant):

   • "Cà" often refers to eggplant, which is a common vegetable in Vietnamese cuisine.
   • Example: "Chiếc áo màu tím hoa cà" translates to "a lilac dress," which means the dress has a color similar to that of the eggplant flower.

2. Noun (Tomato):

   • In some contexts, "cà" can also mean tomato, particularly when used in certain regional dialects.
   • Example: "Quả cà chua" means "tomato," and "cây cà chua" means "tomato plant."

Advanced Usage:

• Nostalgic Expressions:
  • The word "cà" can be part of phrases that evoke nostalgia. For instance, "anh đi anh nhớ quê nhà nhớ canh rau muống, nhớ cà dầm tương" expresses longing for home, specifically mentioning a dish made with eggplant pickled in soy sauce.

Different Meanings:

• Animal Testicle:

  • In a more colloquial or slang context, "cà" can refer to animal testicles, often used in informal discussions about food or certain dishes.

• Verb (To Rub):

  • As a verb, "cà" means to rub or to grind.
  • Example: "Trâu cà lưng vào cây" means "the buffalo rubbed its back against a tree."

• To File (Teeth):

  • "Cà" is also used in the context of filing teeth, as in "một số dân tộc có tục cà răng," meaning "some ethnic groups have the custom of filing their teeth."

Synonyms:

• For eggplant, you might encounter "cà tím," which specifically refers to the purple-skinned variety of eggplant.
• For tomato, you can use "cà chua," which is the standard term.

Word Variants:

• Cà tím: Refers specifically to the purple variety of eggplant.
• Cà chua: Refers to tomato, commonly used in cooking and gardening contexts.

Summary:

"Cà" is a multifaceted word in Vietnamese with meanings ranging from eggplant and tomato to specific actions like rubbing.

Academic

noun

1. Egg-plant
   • chiếc áo màu tím hoa cà
     an egg-plant flower coloured dress, a lilac dress
   • Anh đi anh nhớ quê nhà Nhớ canh rau muống, nhớ cà dầm tương
     Leaving one feels nostalgic for the home place, For the water morning-glory soup, for the soya sauce pickled egg-plants
2. Animal testicle

verb

1. To rub
   • trâu cà lưng vào cây
     the buffalo rubbed its back against a tree
2. To file
   • một số dân tộc có tục cà răng
     some ethnic groups have the custom of filing their teeth
3. To grind
4. To stir up a miff

noun

1. Tomato
   • quả cà chua cây cà chua cảnh