Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of yam: "Củ cái" refers to a specific variety of yam (a tuber), botanically distinguished as having a winged stem or vine.
   • Less common term: In modern Vietnamese, this term is considered somewhat archaic or highly specific. The general word for yam is "khoai" (as in khoai mỡ, khoai từ), making "củ cái" a precise botanical or regional term.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Người dân trong vùng trồng củ cái để làm lương thực chính. (The local people grow củ cái as a staple food.)
  • Củ cái có thể được chế biến thành nhiều món ăn. (The củ cái yam can be processed into many dishes.)

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: The term is primarily used in botanical or agricultural descriptions to specify this particular yam species (, or winged yam, is a common candidate).
  • Trong phân loại thực vật, củ cái được ghi nhận có thân có cánh. (In botanical classification, củ cái is recorded as having a winged stem.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khoai (n): A general term for tuberous root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams.

  • Khoai lang là loại khoai phổ biến. (Sweet potato is a common type of tuber.)

• Khoai mỡ (n): Purple yam, a more commonly used name for a specific type of yam.

  • Chè khoai mỡ rất thơm ngon. (Purple yam dessert is very delicious.)

• Khoai từ (n): Another type of yam (lesser yam).

  • Khoai từ thường có củ nhỏ. (The khoai từ yam usually has small tubers.)

Synonyms

• Winged yam: The direct English translation of the botanical description.
• Yam: The general term for edible tubers from the genus.

Notes on Usage

• "Củ cái" is a specialized term. In everyday conversation, Vietnamese speakers are more likely to use the broader term "khoai" or a more specific common name like "khoai mỡ." The term "củ cái" might be encountered in older texts, botanical guides, or specific regional dialects.