bà

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The Vietnamese word "bà" is a noun that primarily means "grandmother." It is used to refer to a woman's mother, and it can also be used to address older women respectfully. Here’s a breakdown of its meanings, usage, and variations.

Basic Meaning

1. Grandmother: The most common meaning of "bà" is grandmother.
   • Example: "Bà của tôi rất tốt." (My grandmother is very kind.)

Variants of "bà"

• Bà nội: This specifically means "paternal grandmother," which refers to your father's mother.

  • Example: "Tôi thường đến thăm bà nội vào cuối tuần." (I often visit my paternal grandmother on weekends.)

• Bà ngoại: This refers to "maternal grandmother," meaning your mother's mother.

  • Example: "Bà ngoại nấu ăn rất ngon." (My maternal grandmother cooks very well.)

• Bà thím: This means "grandaunt," referring to the sister of one of your grandparents.

  • Example: "Bà thím của tôi sống ở Hà Nội." (My grandaunt lives in Hanoi.)

Advanced Usage

• Thưa quý bà: This phrase means "Ladies and gentlemen" and is often used in formal settings or speeches to address an audience respectfully.
  • Example: "Thưa quý bà và quý ông, cảm ơn các bạn đã đến." (Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming.)

Different Meanings

Besides referring to grandmothers, "bà" can also be used to show respect to older women or to refer to a lady in a polite way. - Example: "Bà ấy rất thông minh." (She is a very smart lady.)

Synonyms

• Cụ: An older term used to refer to an elderly person, often with respect.
• Bà cụ: This can also be used to refer to an elderly woman, similar to "grandmother."

Usage Instructions

• When speaking about family, use "bà" to refer to grandmothers and add "nội" or "ngoại" for specificity.
• In formal situations, remember to use "thưa quý bà" to show respect when addressing a group.

Academic

noun

1. Grandmother
   • bà nội
     grandmother on the spear side
   • bà ngoại
     grandmother on the distaff side
   • bà thím
     grandaunt
2. Madam, lady
   • thưa qui' bà, qui' ông (thưa quý vị)
     Ladies and gentlemen