cầu vồng
[kəw˨˩ vəwŋ͡m˨˩]
The English word 'rainbow' is translated into Vietnamese as cầu vồng. Wiktionary also lists lẹm.
Meaning: multicoloured arch in the sky (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| cầu vồng | [kəw˨˩ vəwŋ͡m˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [kəw˦˩ vəwŋ͡m˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
| lẹm | [lɛm˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [lɛm˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
The term refers to a multicolored arch appearing in the sky.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cầu vồng is composed of cầu, meaning 'bridge' and vồng, which is an archaic or dialectal term for an arch or curve. Literally, it means 'arch bridge'.
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese, the word cầu can mean 'bridge' but also 'latrine'. Historically, this is because pre-modern toilets were often wooden structures built over water.
Examples in context
- Tôi đã ngước nhìn lên và thấy một chiếc cầu vồng trên bầu trời.I looked up and saw a rainbow in the sky.Tatoeba #11363183 by chaule3, translation #11363182 by chaule3
- Con lẹm ngắn như rứa là con mưa nữa đó.A short rainbow like that means it's gonna rain again.
- Sau cơn mưa, một chiếc cầu vồng hiện ra.After the rain, a rainbow appeared.
Example conversation
Nam and Lan are walking outside after a rain shower.
- NamLan ơi, nhìn lên bầu trời xem!Lan, look up at the sky!
- LanỒ, có một chiếc cầu vồng kìa.Oh, there is a rainbow.
- NamNó có đủ bảy màu luôn đúng không?It has all seven colors, right?
- LanĐúng rồi, cầu vồng hôm nay rõ quá.Yes, the rainbow is so clear today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rainbow” translations and entries cầu vồng, lẹm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cầu, cầu vồng, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
