Definition

1. Noun:
   • Flatfish: "cá thờn bơn" refers to a type of flat marine fish, typically having both eyes on one side of its head and a flattened body adapted for life on the seabed. It is a common food fish.
   • Sole: Specifically, it can refer to fish of the family Soleidae, like the common sole, known for their delicate white flesh.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nhà hàng này nổi tiếng với món cá thờn bơn nướng. (This restaurant is famous for its grilled sole.)
  • Cá thờn bơn thường sống ở đáy biển. (Flatfish usually live on the seabed.)

Advanced Usage

• "cá thờn bơn" in proverbs: The word appears in the traditional Vietnamese proverb "thờn bơn méo miệng chê trai lệch mồm" (literally: "the crooked-mouthed flatfish mocks the slant-mouthed oyster"). This idiom is used to criticize someone for pointing out flaws in others that they themselves possess, similar to "the pot calling the kettle black."
  • Anh ta chỉ trích người khác là thiếu tổ chức, đúng là thờn bơn méo miệng chê trai lệch mồm. (He criticizes others for being disorganized; it's a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black.)

Variants and Related Words

• cá bơn: A common variant or shortened form with the same meaning.
• cá thờn bơn vỉ: Refers to a specific preparation, like sole meunière.
• cá bàn (chả): A less common regional name.

Synonyms

• Flatfish: The general biological/broad category.
• Sole: The most common specific type for culinary contexts.
• Plaice or Flounder: Other types of flatfish, but "cá thờn bơn" most accurately corresponds to "sole."

Related Phrases/Idioms

• thờn bơn méo miệng chê trai lệch mồm: (Proverb) The pot calling the kettle black; a hypocrite criticizing others for faults they share.

1. như cá bơn