cá gỗ
adjective
Hanoi [kaː˧˦ ɣo˦ˀ˥]Huế [kaː˨˩˦ ɣow˧˨]Saigon [kaː˦˥ ɣow˨˩˦] browser voice
Each syllable carries one of six tones; the mark on the vowel tells you which. How the six tones sound →
cá gỗ means wooden fish; stingy; niggardly.
Meanings of cá gỗ in English
Adjective
- literal wooden fish
- derogatory, figurative stingy; niggardly; miserly
Etymology
cá + gỗ. Originating from the folktale "Câu chuyện Cá gỗ" ('The Tale of the Wooden Fish'), which talks about a wealthy but miserly person who, not wanting to spend on actual food, hung a wooden fish on the ceiling to deceive his children into thinking they are eating a meal with real fish.
Frequently asked questions
What does cá gỗ mean in English?
cá gỗ (adjective) means "wooden fish; stingy; niggardly".
How do you pronounce cá gỗ?
IPA: Hanoi [kaː˧˦ ɣo˦ˀ˥]; Saigon [kaː˦˥ ɣow˨˩˦]. Tones: cá — rising tone (sắc), gỗ — creaky rising tone (ngã).