cà cuống

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The Vietnamese word "cà cuống" refers to a type of water bug, specifically a member of the family Belostomatidae. These insects are known for their unique appearance and strong, pungent scent.

Basic Meaning:

• Cà cuống is a noun that describes a large aquatic insect, commonly found in freshwater environments.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "cà cuống" to talk about the insect itself or when discussing its culinary use in Vietnamese cuisine.

Example:

• "Cà cuống sống ở những khu vực nước ngọt." (The cà cuống lives in freshwater areas.)
• "Nước mắm cà cuống rất thơm và đặc biệt." (Cà cuống fish sauce is very fragrant and special.)

Advanced Usage:

• The phrase "cà cuống chết đến đít còn cay" is a Vietnamese saying that translates to "even in its last moments, a cà cuống remains pungent." This expression is used to convey the idea that one's true nature or essence does not change, much like how a cà cuống retains its strong scent even when dead. It is similar to the English idiom "a leopard cannot change its spots."

Word Variants:

• Nước mắm cà cuống: This refers to a type of fish sauce that is flavored with the essence of cà cuống. It is a delicacy in Vietnamese cuisine and is known for its rich flavor.
• Cà cuống tươi: This means "fresh cà cuống," referring to the live insect often used in various dishes.

Different Meanings:

• While "cà cuống" primarily refers to the water bug, it can also symbolize someone or something that has a strong, unchanging character.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms in Vietnamese that capture the exact meaning of "cà cuống," but you may come across related terms when discussing aquatic insects or culinary ingredients.

Academic

noun

1. Belostomatid
   • cà cuống chết đến đít còn cay
     even in its last moment, a belostomatid is still pungent; the leopard cannot change his spots
2. Belostomatid essence
   • nước mắm cà cuống
     fish sauce seasoned with belostomatid essence