cốc vại
Definition
- Noun:
- A large, thick glass or mug, typically used for serving draft beer: "Cốc vại" refers to a specific type of drinking vessel, often made of thick glass, characterized by its substantial size and weight. It is traditionally and commonly used in Vietnamese establishments for serving fresh, local draft beer (bia hơi).
- A serving of draft beer in such a glass: By metonymy, the term can also refer to the beer itself served in this type of glass.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Một cốc vại bia hơi ở đây giá rất hợp lý. (A glass of draft beer here is very reasonably priced.)
- Anh chủ quán mang ra ba cốc vại đầy. (The shop owner brought out three full beer mugs.)
- Cốc vại này rất dày và chắc tay. (This beer mug is very thick and sturdy.)
Advanced Usage
- The "cốc vại" is an iconic part of Vietnamese street food and bia hơi culture, symbolizing casual, social drinking. It is not typically used for other beverages.
Variants and Related Words
Ly vại: A synonym, where "ly" is another word for glass/cup. The meaning is identical.
- Chúng tôi gọi thêm hai ly vại nữa. (We ordered two more beer mugs.)
Bia hơi: Draft beer, which is almost exclusively served in a "cốc vại".
- Cốc bia: A general term for a beer glass, which can be of any style or size.
Synonyms
- Beer mug: A general term for a heavy mug used for beer.
- Beer stein: A similar vessel, often with a lid, associated with German tradition.
- Tankard: A large drinking cup, often made of pewter or silver, usually for beer or ale.
Related Idioms
- Vại bia, đĩa lạc: A common phrase evoking the typical setting of drinking draft beer with snacks like peanuts. It means "a mug of beer, a plate of peanuts," representing a simple, enjoyable social gathering.
- Cuối tuần chỉ cần vại bia, đĩa lạc là vui. (On weekends, just a beer and some peanuts are enough for a good time.)