từ chửi thề
[tɨ˨˩ t͡ɕɨj˧˩ tʰe˨˩]word by word
The English phrase "swear words" is translated into Vietnamese as từ chửi thề.
Within the category of Vietnamese swear words, there are vulgar terms such as Cặc, which refers to male genitalia and profane phrases like Mẹ mày, which translates to "your mother."
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese, the intensity of a swear word is often determined more by the pronouns used than the actual vulgarity of the nouns themselves.
- Vietnamese speakers often use 'filler' swear words that lose their literal meaning and act as emotional intensifiers. In these cases, a từ chửi thề might be used among close friends to signal intimacy rather than anger.
- Because Vietnamese is a tonal language, changing the tone of a word in a từ chửi thề can completely transform it from a profane insult into a harmless everyday object.
Examples in context
- Điên à? Mẹ mày điên à?Are you crazy? Your mother's crazy?
- Đừng chọc tới gia đình tôi, mẹ mày sẽ hối hận.Don't mess with my family, your mother will regret it.
- Không ai muốn làm bạn với một con cặc như mày.No one wants to be friends with a d**khead like you.
- Tôi không muốn dùng từ chửi thề.I do not want to use swear words.
- Đừng dùng từ chửi thề ở đây.Do not use swear words here.
Example conversation
Lan is talking to Nam about his language habits.
- LanNam, sao em lại dùng từ chửi thề?Nam, why are you using swear words?
- NamEm xin lỗi, em chỉ đang tức giận thôi.I'm sorry, I was just angry.
- LanEm không nên nói từ chửi thề trước mặt mọi người.You shouldn't say swear words in front of everyone.
- NamVâng, em sẽ chú ý hơn.Yes, I will be more careful.
