tiền boa
The Vietnamese word for a tip (meaning a piece of advice) is tiền boa.
Meaning: piece of advice (noun)
Did you know?
- The word boa in tiền boa actually comes from the French word pourboire, which literally means 'for drinking'.
- Vietnamese has a separate word for a 'tip' in the sense of a helpful hint, meaning that tiền boa is strictly used for money and never for advice.
- In many Vietnamese contexts, giving a 'tip' like tiền boa is not a required social norm as it is in the West. It is often viewed as an optional gesture of extra appreciation rather than an expected service fee.
Example conversation
Hương and Hùng are paying at a restaurant.
- HươngHùng, anh có để tiền boa không?Hùng, are you leaving a tip?
- HùngCó, anh sẽ để một ít.Yes, I will leave a little.
- HươngSố tiền boa này là đủ rồi.This tip amount is enough.
- HùngĐúng vậy, phục vụ ở đây rất tốt.That's right, the service here is very good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boa, tiền, CC BY-SA 4.0.
