cua
[kuə˧˧]
The English word "crab" is translated into Vietnamese as cua.
cua refers to the crustacean known as a crab.
Meaning: crustacean (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are counting crabs, use the classifier con before the noun, forming the phrase con cua for "a crab".
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese, the word cua can also mean 'to flirt' or 'to woo' someone, derived from the French word courtiser.
- The word cua can also function as a verb meaning 'to steer' or 'to turn', such as when a driver turns a vehicle.
- While cua is the general term for crab, the phrase cua đồng specifically refers to the small field crabs used to make a traditional yellow soup.
Examples in context
- Anh ấy bắt được một con cua.He caught a crab.This sentence shows how to use cua when referring to a single crab caught by someone.Tatoeba #13581092 by leucammieuvu, translation #13580166 by rul
- Cô ấy đang bóc yếm cua.She is peeling crab shells.This sentence demonstrates the use of cua when talking about peeling the shells of the crustacean.Tatoeba #934837 by nthkmf, translation #7799976 by sharris123
- Hôm nay tôi đã mua một con cua tươi.Today, I bought a fresh crab.
- Chúng tôi đã ăn cua tối qua.We had crab last night.
- Món này có thêm cua không?Does this dish have crab in it?
Example conversation
Nam and Chi are looking at a seafood menu.
- NamChi ơi, em có thích ăn cua không?Chi, do you like eating crab?
- ChiEm rất thích, nhất là cua biển.I love it, especially sea crab.
- NamVậy chúng ta gọi một con cua nhé.Then let's order one crab.
- ChiVâng, anh gọi cho em nhé.Yes, please order it for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crab” translations and entries cua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
