hến

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The Vietnamese word "hến" is a noun that refers to a type of small freshwater clam or mussel. These clams are often found in rivers and lakes in Vietnam and are commonly used in various dishes.

Usage Instructions:

• "Hến" is typically used in the context of food, specifically when talking about dishes that include these clams. You might encounter it in recipes or when ordering food at a restaurant.
• The word can also be used metaphorically in expressions.

Example:

1. Culinary Context:

   • "Món hến xào" means "stir-fried clams," which is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine.

2. Metaphorical Context:

   • The phrase "câm như hến" translates to "dumb as a fish," meaning someone is very quiet or not speaking at all.

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced contexts, "hến" can be used in idiomatic expressions to describe someone's behavior or demeanor. For example, if someone is unusually quiet in a conversation, you might say they are "câm như hến."

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "hến," but you may encounter different types of clams or related seafood in conversation, which can be described using the word "hến" in different contexts.

Different Meanings:

• While "hến" primarily refers to the clam, its metaphorical use in idioms is significant in Vietnamese culture.

Synonyms:

• A synonym for "hến" in the context of seafood is "ngao," which also refers to clams or mussels but can sometimes indicate a different species or size.

Academic

noun

1. mussel
   • câm như hến
     dumb as a fish