bác

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The Vietnamese word "bác" has a few meanings and uses, making it an interesting word for learners.

Basic Meaning:

1. Noun: Uncle
   In Vietnamese, "bác" is commonly used to refer to an uncle, specifically the brother of one’s father. For example:

   • bác ruột: This means "one's father's elder brother" (paternal uncle).
   • bác gái: This refers to "one's father's elder sister-in-law" (the wife of an uncle).

2. Noun: Aunt
   In some contexts, "bác" can be used to refer to an aunt, particularly when talking about the wife of an uncle.

Usage Instructions:

• When addressing your uncle, you can simply call him "bác." For example, if you want to greet him, you might say "Chào bác!" (Hello, Uncle!).

Example Sentences:

• Bác của tôi rất tốt bụng. (My uncle is very kind.)
• Bác gái của tôi làm nghề giáo viên. (My aunt is a teacher.)

Advanced Usage:

• Bác già: This phrase means "you old boy," used affectionately to refer to someone who is older or more experienced. For example: "Bác già, tôi cũng già rồi." (You old boy, I am advanced in years and so am I.)

Verb Meanings:

1. To Scramble:

   • bác trứng: This means "to scramble eggs."
   • bác mắm: This refers to cooking fish paste by stirring and heating.

2. To Refute/Reject:

   • "Bác" can also mean to dismiss or turn down something, such as an idea or proposal.

Different Meanings:

• Depending on the context, "bác" can refer to either a male relative (uncle) or a female relative (aunt). It can also be used as a verb to describe cooking methods or to dismiss something.

Synonyms:

• For "uncle," some synonyms include chú (younger uncle) and cậu (maternal uncle).
• For the verb meanings, you could use words like phủ nhận (to deny) for the dismissive use.

Word Variants:

• In informal contexts, you might hear variations or diminutive forms, but "bác" is the standard term used across various regions in Vietnam.

Academic

noun

1. Uncle, one's father's sister-in-law
   • bác ruột
     one's father's elder brother
   • bác gái
     one's father's elder sister-in-law
2. Uncle, aunt
3. You old boy
   • bác già tôi cũng già rồi
     you old boy are advanced in years and so am I

verb

1. to scramble
   • bác trứng
     To scramble egg
   • bác mắm
     To cook fish paste by stirring and heating
2. to refute, to reject, to turn down, to dismiss