The Vietnamese word "bà gia" is a noun that means "mother-in-law." This term is used to refer to the mother of a person's spouse. In Vietnamese culture, the relationship with one's mother-in-law can be quite significant, and it often carries a sense of respect and familial obligation.
In more formal or respectful contexts, you might also hear "mẹ chồng" (which also means mother-in-law but can specifically refer to the mother of a married woman). However, "bà gia" is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
While "bà gia" specifically means mother-in-law, the components of the word can have other meanings when used in different contexts: - "Bà" can refer to any older woman, while "gia" can imply something related to family or home.