sống mái
adjective
Hanoi [səwŋ͡m˧˦ maːj˧˦]Huế [ʂəwŋ͡m˦˧˥ maːj˨˩˦]Saigon [ʂəwŋ͡m˦˥ maːj˦˥] browser voice
Each syllable carries one of six tones; the mark on the vowel tells you which. How the six tones sound →
sống mái means very high-stakes.
Meanings of sống mái in English
Adjective
- of a showdown very high-stakes, and that could end very badly for all parties involved regardless of whoever triumphs in the end
- quyết một phen sống máito fight to the death
Etymology
sống (“male”) + mái (“female”), the earlier is an alternative form of the now more common trống. The usage of the Northern form indicates that it spread from the Northern region. The compound is likely a calque of Chinese 雌雄 (thư hùng, “female and male; defeat and victory”).
Frequently asked questions
What does sống mái mean in English?
sống mái (adjective) means "very high-stakes".
How do you pronounce sống mái?
IPA: Hanoi [səwŋ͡m˧˦ maːj˧˦]; Saigon [ʂəwŋ͡m˦˥ maːj˦˥]. Tones: sống — rising tone (sắc), mái — rising tone (sắc).