bướm
[ʔɓɨəm˧˦]
The English word butterfly is translated into Vietnamese as bướm. Wiktionary also lists bươm bướm.
Meaning: insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| bướm | [ʔɓɨəm˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʔɓɨəm˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
| bươm bướm | [ʔɓɨəm˧˧ ʔɓɨəm˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʔɓɨəm˧˧ ʔɓɨəm˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
Both bướm and bươm bướm refer to the insect known as a butterfly.
What does it mean word for word?
The term for caterpillar is sâu bướm, which literally means butterfly worm.
Which one should you use?
The standard form is bướm, but the reduplicated form bươm bướm is used in literature, poetry or songs to create a more rhythmic or evocative sound.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are counting butterflies or referring to a butterfly as a specific entity, you must use the classifier con before bướm (e.g., con bướm).
Did you know?
- In modern Vietnamese slang, the word bướm is used as a euphemism for female genitalia.
- In Vietnamese folk beliefs, a butterfly entering a house is often interpreted as a sign that a guest or a relative is about to visit.
- In traditional Vietnamese art and embroidery, the bướm is frequently paired with flowers to symbolize love and the longing of two souls to be together.
Examples in context
- Tôi đã thấy một con bướm.I saw a butterfly.This sentence shows how to use the form bướm to describe seeing one.Tatoeba #13592505 by leucammieuvu, translation #13592101 by araneo
- Anh ấy đã bắt được con bướm đó.He caught the butterfly.This sentence demonstrates using the form bướm when an action is performed on a specific butterfly.Tatoeba #9067282 by dotheduyet1999, translation #8321553 by Amastan
- Con sâu bướm này sẽ trở thành một con bướm đẹp.This caterpillar will turn into a beautiful butterfly.This sentence illustrates the relationship between a caterpillar and the form bướm.Tatoeba #13173451 by leucammieuvu, translation #360526 by Denizar
- Tôi thấy một chú bướm bay qua công viên hôm qua.I saw a butterfly flying across the park yesterday.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a flower garden.
- HùngHương ơi, nhìn con bướm kia kìa!Huong, look at that butterfly!
- HươngNó thật là đẹp, anh Hùng ạ.It is truly beautiful, Hung.
- HùngNó có màu vàng rất nổi bật.It has a very striking yellow color.
- HươngCon bướm đó đang bay về phía vườn hồng.That butterfly is flying towards the rose garden.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butterfly” translations and entries bướm, bươm bướm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
