xanh thổ
The English word turquoise is translated into Vietnamese as xanh thổ. Wiktionary also lists xanh ngọc and màu ngọc lam.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| xanh thổ | |
| xanh ngọc | [sajŋ̟˧˧ ŋawk͡p̚˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [sɛɲ˧˧ ŋawk͡p̚˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
| màu ngọc lam | |
| màu lam ngọc |
Turquoise can be expressed in several ways depending on the context. Màu ngọc lam is the most common way to refer specifically to the color turquoise in a descriptive or commercial context. Xanh ngọc refers to a jade-like color.
What does it mean word for word?
The term xanh ngọc is a literal combination of xanh (blue/green) and ngọc (gem/jade/precious stone).
Which one should you use?
While xanh ngọc refers to a jade-like color, màu lam ngọc specifically emphasizes the blue-green (turquoise) spectrum.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using these terms as a noun to describe a color, it is common to prefix the color name with màu (color).
Did you know?
- The phrase xanh thổ uses a term that can relate to 'earth' or 'soil' in other contexts, making it a highly specific and unusual way to name this hue.
- The word xanh is a linguistic 'catch-all' that can bridge the gap between blue and green. Depending on the context, it can be used for both colors without the need for specific modifiers.
- While xanh ngọc describes a turquoise hue, the word ngọc specifically refers to 'jade'. In Vietnamese culture, jade is the primary precious stone used as a color benchmark.
Example sentences for Vietnamese are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Hương and Minh are looking at home decor.
- HươngAnh thấy màu xanh thổ này thế nào?What do you think of this turquoise color?
- MinhAnh thấy nó rất đẹp và hiện đại.I think it is very beautiful and modern.
- HươngVậy chúng ta mua màu xanh thổ nhé.Then let's buy the turquoise one.
- MinhĐồng ý, anh cũng thích màu này.Agreed, I like this color too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “turquoise” translations and entries xanh ngọc, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lam, màu, ngọc, thổ, xanh, xanh ngọc, CC BY-SA 4.0.
