The Vietnamese word "cá nóc" refers to a type of fish known as "puffer" or "pufferfish" in English.
You can use "cá nóc" when talking about this specific type of fish, especially in conversations about marine life, food, or fishing.
In Vietnamese cuisine, "cá nóc" can be a delicacy, but it must be prepared carefully due to its poisonous parts. Chefs who prepare pufferfish must have special training to ensure that it is safe to eat.
While "cá nóc" primarily refers to pufferfish, in some contexts, it might be used metaphorically to describe a person who is boastful or tries to appear more significant than they are (like a pufferfish inflating).
There are no direct synonyms in Vietnamese, but you might encounter related terms that describe other types of fish or marine animals, such as: - "Cá độc" (poisonous fish) - "Cá biển" (sea fish)
Understanding "cá nóc" is essential for conversations about marine life, Vietnamese cuisine, and culture.