cải lương
nounverb Sino-Vietnamese
Hanoi [kaːj˧˩ lɨəŋ˧˧]Huế [kaːj˧˨ lɨəŋ˧˧]Saigon [kaːj˨˩˦ lɨəŋ˧˧] browser voice
Each syllable carries one of six tones; the mark on the vowel tells you which. How the six tones sound →
cải lương means reform.
Chinese characters: 改良 (改 “to change” + 良 “good, honest”)
Meanings of cải lương in English
Noun
- reform
- kind of folk musical theater originated from southern Vietnam ("reformed theatre")
Verb
- to improve; to reform
Etymology
Sino-Vietnamese word from 改良, composed of 改 (“to change”) and 良 (“good, honest”).
Frequently asked questions
What does cải lương mean in English?
cải lương (noun) means "reform".
How do you pronounce cải lương?
IPA: Hanoi [kaːj˧˩ lɨəŋ˧˧]; Saigon [kaːj˨˩˦ lɨəŋ˧˧]. Tones: cải — dipping tone (hỏi), lương — level tone (ngang).
Is cải lương a Sino-Vietnamese word?
Yes. cải lương is a Sino-Vietnamese word from the Chinese characters 改良.