Ways to say it
| Vietnamese |
|---|
| sự xoa bóp |
| sự đấm bóp |
The term refers to the act of rubbing, kneading or hitting a muscled part of the body. When you want to describe the action of performing a massage, you can use the verbs xoa bóp, tẩm quất or the loanword mát-xa.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb xoa bóp is composed of xoa, meaning to rub and bóp, meaning to squeeze or press.
Which one should you use?
The noun phrase sự xoa bóp is used to describe the concept or the act of massage, whereas xoa bóp is the verb used to perform the actual action. Additionally, tẩm quất specifically refers to a traditional style of massage that involves more vigorous hitting or rhythmic percussion on the muscles.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The loanword mát-xa is commonly used in everyday spoken Vietnamese. In contrast, sự xoa bóp is more formal or descriptive.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
sự xoa bóp is a noun phrase used to describe the concept of massage, while xoa bóp acts as the verb for the action.
Did you know?
- The Vietnamese word xoa, meaning to rub, was actually borrowed from the French word soie, which refers to silk.
Examples in context
- Mát-xa cho tôi đi.Massage me, please.
- Mát-xa chânFoot massage
- Mát-xa toàn thânFull-body massage
- Mát-xa thư giãnRelaxation massage
- Sự xoa bóp giúp giảm đau mỏi.Massage helps reduce soreness.
- Sự xoa bóp có tác dụng rất tốt.The massage has a very good effect.
Example conversation
Minh and Mai are discussing health and wellness.
- MinhMai, em có mỏi vai không?Mai, are your shoulders tired?
- MaiCó, em thấy rất mỏi.Yes, I feel very tired.
- MinhSự xoa bóp sẽ giúp em thoải mái hơn.A massage will make you feel more comfortable.
- MaiCảm ơn anh, Minh.Thank you, Minh.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “massage” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bóp, sự, xoa, đấm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
