hình xăm
[hïŋ˨˩ sam˧˧]word by word
The Vietnamese word for "tattoo" is hình xăm.
The term hình xăm is used to refer to an image made in the skin with ink and a needle, covering everything from small designs to large-scale body art.
Meaning: an image made in the skin with ink and a needle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of hình, meaning shape or image and xăm, meaning to tattoo or pierce.
Did you know?
- In some traditional Vietnamese beliefs, tattoos were thought to hide the soul from evil spirits or prevent spirits from recognizing the deceased.
- Historically, certain types of tattoos in Vietnam were used as punishments to mark criminals, making the act of xăm a symbol of shame rather than choice.
- The word xăm is related to tăm, which means 'toothpick', and thăm, which means 'to visit' or 'probe'. All three words share a root meaning to poke or pierce small holes.
Examples in context
- Tôi đã có một hình xăm mới trên ngực của tôi.I got a new tattoo on my chest.
- Anh ta có một bức hình xăm độc đáo trên lưng mình.He has a unique tattoo on his back.
- Tớ định xăm hình trong tương lai.I'm planning to get a tattoo in the future.
- Mấy đứa bạn tớ đi xăm chung, nghe nói xăm đẹp lắm.My friends are going to get tattoos together, I heard they will be beautiful.
- Hình xăm của anh ấy rất đẹp.His tattoo is very beautiful.
- Tôi muốn có một hình xăm nhỏ.I want to have a small tattoo.
Example conversation
Lan and Hùng are talking about art.
- LanHùng, hình xăm này có ý nghĩa gì?Hùng, what does this tattoo mean?
- HùngNó là biểu tượng của sự tự do.It is a symbol of freedom.
- LanNhìn nó rất đẹp và tinh tế.It looks very beautiful and sophisticated.
- HùngCảm ơn Lan, tôi rất thích nó.Thank you Lan, I really like it.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (hình, xăm) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hình, xăm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
