Definition

1. Noun:
   • Kerosene: A type of fuel oil, a thin, clear liquid distilled from petroleum, used especially in lamps, stoves, and jet engines. This is the primary meaning, often used in specific regional dialects of Vietnamese.
   • Lamp oil: Specifically refers to kerosene used for lighting in lamps.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ngày xưa, đèn dầu tây là nguồn sáng chính trong nhiều gia đình. (In the past, kerosene lamps were the main source of light in many households.)
  • Cần mua một lít dầu tây để đổ vào bếp. (Need to buy a liter of kerosene to fill the stove.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "dầu tây" is considered a regional or dialectal word. In standard modern Vietnamese, "dầu hỏa" is the more common and universally understood term for kerosene.
  • Ở miền Nam, người ta thường nói "dầu tây" thay vì "dầu hỏa". (In the South, people often say "dầu tây" instead of "dầu hỏa".)

Variants and Related Words

• Dầu hỏa (n): The standard Vietnamese term for kerosene.
• Dầu lửa (n): Another less common synonym for kerosene.
• Pétrole lampant (n): The French term from which "dầu tây" is derived, meaning "lighting petroleum".

Synonyms

• Kerosene: (English) The direct translation.
• Paraffin oil: (British English) A synonym for kerosene.
• Lamp oil: A descriptive synonym focusing on its use.

Notes on Meaning

• The word "tây" (west/western) in "dầu tây" historically indicates its foreign, Western origin when it was introduced to Vietnam.
• It specifically refers to the refined fuel. Do not confuse it with crude oil (dầu thô) or gasoline (xăng).

1. (địa phương) Kerosene