Definition

1. Noun:
   • Dog: A common domesticated carnivorous mammal (Canis lupus familiaris) kept as a pet, for guarding property, or for hunting.
   • Cur / Ass (derogatory): Used as a strong insult to call someone contemptible, stupid, or wicked.

Usage Examples

• Noun (animal):
  • Gia đình tôi nuôi một con chó. (My family keeps a dog.)
  • Con chó đó rất trung thành. (That dog is very loyal.)
• Noun (insult):
  • Đồ chó! (You cur!/You bastard!)
  • Ngu như chó! (Stupid as a dog!/What an ass!)

Advanced Usage

• The word "chó" is deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture and language, forming many compound words, idioms, and proverbs that convey meanings beyond the literal animal.

Variants and Related Words

• Chó con (n): Puppy.
  • Mấy chú chó con thật dễ thương. (The puppies are so adorable.)
• Chó săn (n): Hound, hunting dog.
• Chó cảnh (n): Pet dog, pedigree dog.
• Chó hoang (n): Stray dog.

Synonyms

• Dog: Canine, pooch (informal).
• Cur: Scoundrel, bastard (derogatory).

Related Idioms and Proverbs

• Chó cắn áo rách: Literally "the dog bites the torn shirt". It means "misfortunes never come singly" or hardships compound for those already in difficulty.
• Chó cùng rứt giậu: Literally "a cornered dog will jump over the fence". It describes a desperate person forced to take extreme actions.
• Chó chê mèo lắm lông: Literally "the dog criticizes the cat for being too hairy". It means "the pot calling the kettle black".
• Chó ngáp phải ruồi: Literally "a dog yawning catches a fly". It refers to an unexpected, often undeserved, piece of luck.
• Treo đầu dê, bán thịt chó: Literally "to hang a goat's head but sell dog meat". It means to practice fraud or deception.
• Chó già giữ xương: Literally "an old dog guards a bone". It means to be a dog in the manger—to selfishly keep something one cannot use oneself.
• Như chó với mèo: Literally "like dog and cat". It means to constantly argue or fight, to have a very poor relationship.

noun

1. Cur, ass, donkey
   • đồ chó!
     what a cur you are!
   • ngu như chó!
     what an ass!
2. Dog spaniel boxer saluki
   • chó già giữ xương
     to be a dog in the manger
   • treo đầu dê bán thịt chó
     he cries wine and sells vinegar
   • chó cắn áo rách
     hardships never come alone
   • chó cùng rứt giậu