ba gác
Definition
Noun: 1. A three-wheeled cargo bicycle or tricycle: A human-powered vehicle with three wheels, typically used in Vietnam for transporting goods, passengers, or for vending. It is characterized by a large cargo area at the front or rear. 2. A handcart or small cart: Can refer to a simple, manually-pushed or pulled cart used for carrying loads.
Usage Examples
- The vendor loaded fresh fruits onto his ba gác to take to the market.
- Before motorbikes were common, ba gác was a popular means of transport for goods in the city's narrow alleys.
- He uses a ba gác to collect recyclable materials around the neighborhood.
Advanced Usage
- The term "ba gác" evokes a specific cultural and historical image of street vending and local transport in Vietnam, especially in the 20th century.
- It is often associated with the hard work of street vendors and manual laborers.
Variants and Related Words
- Xe ba gác: A more complete term, with "xe" meaning vehicle. (e.g., - a cargo tricycle).
- Xích lô: A cycle rickshaw, a passenger vehicle, which is a different type of three-wheeled bicycle.
- Xe đạp thồ: A bicycle modified for carrying heavy loads.
Synonyms
- Tricycle / Trike
- Cargo tricycle
- Freight bicycle
- Handcart / Pushcart
Related Phrases
- Đạp ba gác: To pedal a ba gác. (e.g., - He makes a living by pedaling a cargo tricycle).
- Chở hàng bằng ba gác: To transport goods by ba gác.
Related Idioms
- Cơm *ba gác : This phrase humorously refers to a simple, quick, and cheap meal, akin to food one might eat while working a manual job like driving a *ba gác. It implies something basic and functional.
noun
-
tricycle, trike
