bánh mì kẹp thịt
The English phrase "burger" is bánh mì kẹp thịt in Vietnamese.
The term is used to refer to a hamburger.
Meaning: informal: hamburger (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bánh mì kẹp thịt literally translates to "bread sandwich meat" or "meat-sandwiched bread".
Which one should you use?
bánh mì kẹp thịt is the formal way to say "burger", while Bánh mì burger and Burger are informal alternatives.
Did you know?
- Although some believe bánh comes from the French word 'pain', it actually appears in Vietnamese texts from the 12th century, long before the French arrived.
- The term kẹp for 'sandwiched' is part of a group of related words in Vietnamese, such as 'kép' or 'ghép', that use similar sounds to describe things being joined or paired.
Examples in context
- Tôi muốn một bánh mì kẹp thịt.I would like a burger.
- Đi ăn bánh mì burger không?Do you want to eat a burger?
- Hôm nay tớ định ăn bánh burger.Today, I plan to eat a burger.
- Tôi muốn ăn một bánh mì kẹp thịt.I want to eat a burger.
- Bánh mì kẹp thịt này rất ngon.This burger is very delicious.
- Bạn có muốn mua bánh mì kẹp thịt không?Do you want to buy a burger?
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- LanTrưa nay ăn gì nhỉ, Nam?What should we eat for lunch today, Nam?
- NamĂn một cái bánh mì kẹp thịt nhé?Shall we eat a burger?
- LanÝ hay đó, mình đi thôi.That is a good idea, let's go.
- NamĐợi mình một chút.Wait for me a moment.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bánh, kẹp, mì, thịt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
