trộm vía
interjection
Hanoi [t͡ɕom˧˨ʔ viə˧˦]Huế [ʈom˨˩ʔ viə˨˩˦]Saigon [ʈom˨˩˨ viə˦˥] browser voice
Each syllable carries one of six tones; the mark on the vowel tells you which. How the six tones sound →
trộm vía means used before complimenting an infant.
Meanings of trộm vía in English
Interjection
- Central Vietnam, Northern Vietnam used before complimenting an infant
- Trộm vía, cháu bé bụ bẫm quá!Oh my! What a chubby baby you've got there!
Etymology
From trộm (“to steal”) + vía (“po”). Perhaps used as a superstitious precaution against potential damage to a child's weak po, or an evil spirit that might take something good away from it if you don't compliment it properly.
Frequently asked questions
What does trộm vía mean in English?
trộm vía (interjection) means "used before complimenting an infant".
How do you pronounce trộm vía?
IPA: Hanoi [t͡ɕom˧˨ʔ viə˧˦]; Saigon [ʈom˨˩˨ viə˦˥]. Tones: trộm — heavy tone (nặng), vía — rising tone (sắc).