mì
The English word "pasta" can be translated into Vietnamese as mì.
In Vietnamese, mì is a broad term that covers many types of wheat-based noodles, such as those found in Asian-style ramen or egg noodles. To be specific about Western-style pasta, speakers may use mì ống to refer to tubular varieties like macaroni or penne or use the phrase mì Ý to specifically refer to Italian pasta.
Meaning: dish or serving (noun)
Which one should you use?
While mì is a general category for noodles, it most commonly refers to Asian-style wheat noodles in a Vietnamese context. In contrast, mì ống is often used to specify Western-style pasta and mì Ý is used to denote Italian pasta specifically.
Did you know?
- The word mì is a linguistic traveler shared across Southeast Asia, appearing as 'mi' in Indonesian and Malay and as mìi in Thai.
- When mì is used in the context of 'instant noodles', it is often paired with the word tôm meaning 'shrimp', as shrimp-flavored noodles are the most iconic variety.
- Vietnamese cuisine distinguishes wheat noodles mì from rice noodles phở or bún based on the grain used, not just the shape.
Examples in context
- Bạn thích bánh pizza hay mì ống?Do you like pizza or pasta?This sentence is useful for practicing the distinction between pizza and the form mì.Tatoeba #11325214 by chaule3, translation #11325211 by chaule3
- Tôi muốn ăn mì Ý.I want to eat pasta.
- Mì này rất ngon.This pasta is very delicious.
Example conversation
Lan and Nam are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- LanNam, anh muốn ăn gì không?Nam, do you want to eat something?
- NamAnh muốn ăn mì Ý.I want to eat Italian pasta.
- LanEm cũng thích ăn mì.I like eating pasta too.
- NamVậy chúng ta đi ăn thôi.Then let's go eat.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mì, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
