ba-lô
Definition
- Noun:
- Backpack / Rucksack: A bag made of cloth, leather, or nylon, carried on the back by means of two shoulder straps, used for carrying personal belongings, books, or supplies, especially for hiking, school, or travel.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Sinh viên nào cũng đeo một chiếc ba-lô lớn. (Every student carries a large backpack.)
- Anh ấy mang theo nước và bản đồ trong ba-lô khi leo núi. (He carries water and a map in his backpack when hiking.)
- Đứa trẻ vui mừng với chiếc ba-lô mới để đi học. (The child was delighted with the new backpack for school.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "ba-lô" is a loanword, adapted from the French word "ballot" (meaning a bundle or pack) or possibly influenced by "havresac" (knapsack). Its usage in Vietnamese is very specific to the item described and does not carry other metaphorical meanings.
Variants and Related Words
- Túi đeo lưng (n): A more descriptive, purely Vietnamese term for a backpack, meaning "bag worn on the back."
- Cặp sách (n): Satchel / Schoolbag. This typically refers to a bag carried by hand or over one shoulder, often used by schoolchildren, and is distinct from a "ba-lô."
Synonyms
- Backpack: The most common direct equivalent.
- Rucksack: Often used for a larger, more sturdy backpack designed for hiking or camping.
- Knapsack: A more old-fashioned or literary term for a backpack.
Related Idioms
- : Literally "toad backpack." This is a colloquial, somewhat humorous term for a very small, simple, or cheap backpack.