How to Say “Guinea Pig” in Vietnamese

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chuột lang
[t͡ɕuət̚˧˨ʔ laːŋ˧˧]
The English phrase "guinea pig" is translated into Vietnamese as chuột lang.
The term chuột lang refers to the animal itself. Unlike in English, where "guinea pig" is often used metaphorically to mean an experimental subject, Vietnamese speakers do not use this term in that way. When referring to a human or animal being used as an experimental subject, the term vật thí nghiệm is used instead.
Meaning: experimental subject (noun)

Which one should you use?

While chuột lang is the standard term for the animal, Chuột Cavia serves as a formal alternative used specifically in scientific or technical contexts.

What mistakes should you avoid?

Do not use chuột lang to mean a person acting as a metaphorical experimental subject. Instead, use vật thí nghiệm.

Did you know?

  • The use of chuột for a muscle mirrors a similar pattern in Latin and Ancient Greek, where the words for 'mouse' and 'muscle' are closely related.
  • The Vietnamese word for rat or mouse chuột is believed to be the source of the word for 'Year of the Rat' in both Khmer and Thai.

Examples in context

  • Họ dùng chuột lang để thử thuốc mới.
    They use guinea pigs to test new medicine.
  • Đừng biến tôi thành chuột lang của bạn.
    Don't turn me into your guinea pig.

Example conversation

A colleague expresses concern about a new software testing method.

  1. Mai

    Anh định dùng tôi làm chuột lang sao?
    Are you planning to use me as a guinea pig?
  2. Hùng

    Không, tôi sẽ kiểm tra kỹ trước.
    No, I will check it carefully first.
  3. Mai

    Tôi không muốn làm chuột lang đâu.
    I don't want to be a guinea pig.
  4. Hùng

    Yên tâm đi, mọi thứ sẽ ổn.
    Don't worry, everything will be fine.

Sources

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Steven Roger
Steven RogerHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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