càng cua
Definition
- Noun:
- Crab claw: The hard, pincer-like front appendage of a crab, used for grasping, defense, and feeding.
- Medical term (archaic): A type of severe, purulent inflammation of the finger or toe, resembling a painful swelling (historically likened to a crab's claw in appearance or grip). This usage is now rare and considered dated.
- Botanical term: A common name for certain succulent plants, particularly in the genera Peperomia or Zygocactus (like the Christmas cactus), likely due to the shape of their segments or leaves.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Crab claw):
- Con cua dùng càng cua để bắt mồi. (The crab uses its claw to catch prey.)
- Tôi bị càng cua kẹp vào tay. (I got pinched by a crab's claw.)
- Noun (Medical - archaic):
- Ông nội tôi ngày xưa hay bị càng cua ở ngón tay. (My grandfather used to often get a painful finger infection.)
- Noun (Botanical):
- Cây càng cua này nở hoa vào mùa đông. (This Zygocactus plant blooms in winter.)
Advanced Usage
- "Chắc như càng cua": An idiom meaning "as firm/solid as a crab's claw," used to describe something very sturdy, reliable, or certain.
- Lời hứa của anh ấy chắc như càng cua. (His promise is as solid as a crab's claw.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cua (n): Crab. The animal itself.
- Kẹp (v/n): To pinch; a clip/clamp. Describes the action of a claw.
- Panaris (n, medical French loanword): Whitlow, felon. The modern medical term for the infection historically called "càng cua."
Synonyms
- Càng (n): Claw, pincer (can be used for other crustaceans or tools).
- Vật kẹp (n): Gripping tool, pincer (general term).
Related Phrases
- Bị cua kẹp: To be pinched by a crab. A common phrase describing the experience.
- Cẩn thận kẻo bị cua kẹp. (Be careful or you'll get pinched by the crab.)
Related Idioms
- Khỏe như cua: As strong/healthy as a crab. An idiom describing someone very robust.
- Sau khi tập thể dục, tôi cảm thấy khỏe như cua. (After exercising, I feel as strong as a crab.)