Definition

1. Noun:
   • Snakehead fish: A type of freshwater fish belonging to the family Channidae, characterized by a cylindrical body, a large mouth, and a snake-like head. It is a common food fish in Vietnam.
   • Northern striped snakehead (Channa striata): A specific, widespread species often referred to by this name.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Mẹ tôi kho cá lóc với tiêu. (My mother braises snakehead fish with pepper.)
  • Cá lóc nướng trui là một món ăn đặc sản của miền Tây. (Grilled snakehead fish over straw is a specialty dish of the Mekong Delta region.)
  • Anh ấy câu được một con cá lóc rất to. (He caught a very large snakehead fish.)

Advanced Usage

• The term 'cá lóc' is commonly used in Southern Vietnam. In Northern and Central Vietnam, the more standard term is 'cá quả'. Both refer to the same type of fish.
• In biological or formal contexts, the scientific name or the English common name "striped snakehead" is used.

Variants and Related Words

• Cá quả (noun): The standard Northern Vietnamese term for snakehead fish, synonymous with 'cá lóc'.
• Cá chuối (noun): Another regional name (used in some Northern areas) for snakehead fish.
• Cá lóc đen (noun): Black snakehead (), a related species.

Synonyms

• Snakehead fish (general English term)
• Striped snakehead (specific to )
• Murrel (a common name used in South Asia for similar fish)

Related Phrases

• Làm cá lóc: To prepare/cook snakehead fish.
  • Bố tôi rất giỏi làm cá lóc. (My father is very good at preparing snakehead fish.)
• Nấu canh chua cá lóc: To cook sour soup with snakehead fish.
  • Canh chua cá lóc là món tôi thích nhất. (Sour soup with snakehead fish is my favorite dish.)

Related Idioms

• Khỏe như cá lóc: (As strong/healthy as a snakehead fish). An idiom describing someone who is very robust and healthy, referencing the fish's vitality and ability to survive out of water for a period.
  • Sau trận ốm, giờ nó lại khỏe như cá lóc. (After the illness, he is now as strong as an ox [lit. as a snakehead fish].)

1. như cá quả