tôm
[tom˧˧]
The Vietnamese word for shrimp is tôm.
tôm is used to refer to the flesh of the crustacean. In some regions, the colloquial phrase Tôm béo is used to describe plump or fatty shrimp.
Meaning: flesh of the crustacean (noun)
Did you know?
- A popular way to serve tôm is in a dish called tôm nhảy, which translates to 'jumping shrimp' because the crustaceans are served while they are still alive.
- While tôm is the general word for shrimp, Vietnamese has a separate word, tép, specifically for the tiny shrimp found in rivers.
- Unlike some Western cultures that discard the head, Vietnamese diners often consider the head of the tôm to be the most flavorful and prized part.
Examples in context
- Em muốn ăn tôm, anh có thể mua cho em không?I want to eat shrimp, can you buy some for me?
- Bà nội làm món tôm tươi thì ngon nhất rồi!My grandmother makes the best fresh shrimp dish!
- Tôi muốn ăn tôm.I want to eat shrimp.
- Tôi muốn ăn tôm nướng.I want to eat grilled shrimp.
- Có tôm trong món salad này không?Is there shrimp in this salad?
- Mẹ tôi vừa mua tôm tươi.My mother just bought fresh shrimp.
Example conversation
A kitchen where they are deciding what to cook for dinner.
- HươngHôm nay mình nấu tôm nhé?Shall we cook shrimp today?
- NamÝ hay đấy, Hương ơi.That is a good idea, Huong.
- HươngAnh có muốn ăn tôm hấp không?Do you want to eat steamed shrimp?
- NamĐược, tôm hấp rất ngon.Sure, steamed shrimp is very delicious.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tôm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
