chanh
[t͡ɕajŋ̟˧˧]
The Vietnamese word for lemon is chanh.
chanh is used to refer to the citrus fruit. In more formal contexts, you may encounter the term Chanh vàng, which literally translates to "yellow lemon" and refers to ripe, yellow lemons.
Meaning: citrus fruit (noun)
Did you know?
- In modern Vietnamese slang, the word chanh is used to describe someone who is 'snobbish' or 'posh', reflecting the fruit's sharp and acidic nature.
- The word chanh has a mysterious origin that some linguists suggest might be a blend of the words chị and anh, which mean 'older sister' and 'older brother'.
- While chanh refers to both lemons and limes, Vietnamese people typically use the small, round, green lime for cooking and drinks rather than the large yellow lemon.
Examples in context
- Đây là một cây chanh.This is a lemon tree.This sentence shows how to identify a lemon tree using chanh.Tatoeba #9769385 by dotheduyet1999, translation #1419976 by Chrikaru
- Trong trái chanh có axit.There is acid in lemon.This sentence is useful for noting the presence of acid within a chanh.Tatoeba #1549549 by trieuho, translation #7794383 by sharris123
- Tôi cần một quả chanh.I need a lemon.
Example conversation
Lan and Hùng are in the kitchen preparing drinks.
- LanHùng ơi, còn chanh không?Hùng, is there any lemon left?
- HùngĐể anh xem nhé.Let me check.
- LanEm muốn pha nước chanh.I want to make lemonade.
- HùngCó, trong tủ lạnh còn chanh này.Yes, there is lemon in the fridge.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chanh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
