Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of aromatic herb: "é" refers to a specific aromatic herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), similar to basil or perilla. Its seeds swell and form a gelatinous substance when soaked in water.
   • (Botany, dialect) Basil: In some regional dialects, "é" is used to refer to basil.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Hạt é thường được dùng để pha chế thức uống giải khát. (É seeds are often used to prepare refreshing drinks.)
  • Rau é có mùi thơm đặc trưng, dùng để ăn sống hoặc nấu canh. (É herb has a distinctive aroma, used for eating raw or in soup.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nước hạt é": a beverage made with soaked é seeds.
  • Trời nóng, uống một ly nước hạt é thật mát. (It's hot; drinking a glass of é seed drink is very cooling.)

Variants and Related Words

• Húng dổi (n): Another name for "é" in some regions.
• Húng quế (n): Sweet basil (a related but different herb).
• Basilic (n): The French word for basil, sometimes used in reference to "é".

Synonyms

• Rau thơm: aromatic herb (a general term).
• Húng: a general term for mint-like herbs.

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: In standard Vietnamese, "é" specifically denotes the herb whose seeds produce a gelatinous coating. It is valued for its cooling properties.
• Dialectal Meaning: In some local dialects, particularly in central Vietnam, "é" can be used interchangeably for basil (húng quế). This is a regional variation.

1. (thực) (tiếng địa phương) như húng dổi (xem húng)