thằng da trắng
[tʰaŋ˨˩ zaː˧˧ t͡ɕaŋ˧˦]word by word
The English phrase "white boy" is translated into Vietnamese as thằng da trắng.
This phrase is used to refer to a young male with white skin. It is often used in a casual or derogatory manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of thằng (a derogatory or highly informal classifier for a male), da (skin) and trắng (white), which literally translates to "white-skinned guy/boy".
Which one should you use?
While thằng da trắng is casual or derogatory, chàng trai da trắng is a much more polite and neutral way to refer to a white young man. Additionally, the term trai Tây can be used to mean "western boy" or "foreign boy".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of the classifier thằng makes thằng da trắng informal and often carries a derogatory or disrespectful tone.
Did you know?
- The classifier thằng is so versatile that it can be used to express deep affection between very close male friends or for a beloved child, despite its usual derogatory tone.
- The word thằng can be traced back to a Buddhist stele from the Lý dynasty written in 1209.
- The term da trắng is used not just for race, but can describe anyone with very pale skin, regardless of their ethnic background.
Examples in context
- Hôm qua, tôi đã gặp một cậu trai Tây trong quán cà phê.Yesterday, I met a white boy in the coffee shop.
- Thằng da trắng đó đang ở đâu?Where is that white boy?
- Nhìn kìa, một thằng da trắng mới đến.Look, a white boy just arrived.
- Tôi không thích thằng da trắng đó.I don't like that white boy.
Example conversation
Chi and Hùng are talking about a tourist in the street.
- ChiHùng, nhìn thằng da trắng kia kìa.Hùng, look at that white boy.
- HùngTôi thấy rồi, anh ta đang lạc đường.I see him, he is lost.
- ChiThằng da trắng đó có vẻ rất bối rối.That white boy seems very confused.
- HùngĐể tôi ra giúp anh ta một chút.Let me go help him for a bit.
