lựu đạn
[liw˧˨ʔ ʔɗaːn˧˨ʔ]
The Vietnamese word for "grenade" is lựu đạn.
The term refers to a small explosive device.
Meaning: small explosive device (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word lựu đạn is a compound of lựu, which means pomegranate and đạn, which means bullet or projectile. This refers to the fruit-like shape of the device.
Did you know?
- While English uses the word 'grenade' which comes from the French word for 'pomegranate', Vietnamese uses its own independent Sino-Vietnamese roots to reach the same botanical metaphor.
- The word đạn comes from a character that originally meant 'to pluck a string' or 'to spring', referring to the kinetic energy of a projectile.
- In Vietnamese, the word lựu refers both to the 'pomegranate' and the 'pomegranate flower', making the 'grenade' etymologically linked to a blossom.
Examples in context
- Hãy cẩn thận với quả lựu đạn này.Be careful with this grenade.
- Anh ấy ném một quả lựu đạn.He threw a grenade.
- Quả lựu đạn này rất nguy hiểm.This grenade is very dangerous.
- Họ tìm thấy một quả lựu đạn cũ.They found an old grenade.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are watching an action movie.
- NamNhân vật chính vừa ném lựu đạn kìa!The main character just threw a grenade!
- HươngỒ, cảnh đó thật gay cấn.Oh, that scene was really intense.
- NamAnh ấy thật dũng cảm.He is very brave.
- HươngĐúng vậy, phim này hay quá.That's right, this movie is great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grenade” translations and entries lựu đạn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lựu, lựu đạn, đạn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
