rau mùi
[zaw˧˧ muj˨˩]word by word
The English phrase cilantro is rau mùi in Vietnamese.
rau mùi refers to the leaves of the coriander plant.
Meaning: leaves of the coriander plant (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of rau (herb/vegetable) and mùi (scent/smell).
Which one should you use?
While rau mùi is the standard term in Northern Vietnam, ngò rí is the common term used in the South.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Vietnam, people more commonly use rau ngò instead of rau mùi to refer to cilantro.
Did you know?
- In Vietnam, rau mùi is often served as a raw accompaniment to dishes rather than just a garnish. It is common to see a platter of fresh herbs, including rau mùi, provided on the side for the diner to add themselves.
- While the standard term is rau mùi, the word mùi is actually a non-Sino-Vietnamese reading of the Chinese character 味. This makes it a linguistic doublet of the word vị, which is the Sino-Vietnamese reading of the same character.
- Vietnamese cuisine uses several types of rau (herbs) that look identical to cilantro but taste different. To distinguish them, Vietnamese speakers use highly specific names based on the leaf shape or scent.
Examples in context
- Con không thích mùi tàu trong mì xào. Tại sao không cho người bán biết để không bỏ thêm mùi tàu vào?I don't like cilantro in stir-fried noodles. Why not let the vendor know so they don't add more cilantro?
- Tôi thích ăn rau mùi.I like eating cilantro.
- Món này cần thêm rau mùi.This dish needs more cilantro.
- Cô ấy mua rau mùi ở chợ.She buys cilantro at the market.
Example conversation
A couple is grocery shopping at an outdoor market.
- HươngNam ơi, anh thấy rau mùi ở đâu không?Nam, do you see the cilantro anywhere?
- NamCó, rau mùi ở kia kìa.Yes, the cilantro is over there.
- HươngCảm ơn anh, để em đi mua.Thank you, let me go buy it.
- NamNhớ chọn rau mùi thật tươi nhé.Remember to choose very fresh cilantro.
