từ bậy
[tɨ˨˩ ʔɓəj˧˨ʔ]word by word
The English phrase "bad word" is translated into Vietnamese as từ bậy.
từ bậy is a noun used to refer to profanity, swear words or vulgarities in a general sense.
Meaning: vulgar word (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of từ (word) and bậy (incorrect, improper or rude).
Which one should you use?
While từ bậy is the noun for the word itself, the verbal phrase nói bậy is used to describe the act of swearing or using vulgar language.
Did you know?
- The term bậy is versatile and can describe things other than language, such as đi bậy, which refers to urinating or defecating in an improper place.
- The word bậy is conceptually linked to the word bấy, meaning 'crushed', suggesting that 'vulgarity' was once associated with things being broken or crushed.
- The word từ in từ bậy is a linguistic chameleon that can mean 'word', 'ancestral temple', or even 'magnetism' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Đừng nói từ bậy trước mặt trẻ con.Don't say bad words in front of children.
- Em không thích nghe từ bậy đâu.I don't like hearing bad words.
Example conversation
Hương is reminding Hùng to speak politely in front of children.
- HươngHùng, đừng nói từ bậy ở đây.Hùng, don't use bad words here.
- HùngTôi xin lỗi, tôi quên mất.I'm sorry, I forgot.
- HươngTrẻ con đang nghe đấy.The children are listening.
- HùngTôi sẽ chú ý hơn.I will be more careful.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (từ, bậy) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bậy, từ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
