Definition

1. Noun:
   • Kerosene: A thin, clear oil distilled from petroleum, used as a fuel for lamps, heaters, and stoves. The term "dầu hôi" is a regional/dialectal variant in Vietnamese, primarily used in some Southern regions.
   • Etymology Note: The word "hôi" means "smelly" or "foul-smelling," referring to the characteristic odor of this type of oil.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ngày xưa, đèn dầu hôi được dùng để thắp sáng. (In the past, kerosene lamps were used for lighting.)
  • Cửa hàng tạp hóa bán dầu hôi. (The grocery store sells kerosene.)
  • Mùi dầu hôi rất đặc trưng. (The smell of kerosene is very distinctive.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is considered a regionalism. In standard, formal Vietnamese, and in most contexts nationwide, "dầu hỏa" is the preferred and more universally understood term.
• "Dầu hôi" is often associated with rural or older generations in specific areas. Its usage might not be recognized by all Vietnamese speakers.

Variants and Related Words

• Dầu hỏa (n): The standard Vietnamese term for kerosene.
• Dầu lửa (n): Another less common synonym for kerosene.
• Kerosene (n): The direct English equivalent.
• Paraffin oil (n): A British English term sometimes used for kerosene.
• Dầu (n): Oil. A general term that can refer to any oil (cooking, engine, etc.).
• Hôi (adj): Smelly, foul-smelling. This adjective explains the descriptive nature of the compound term "dầu hôi."

Synonyms

• Dầu hỏa: Kerosene (standard term).
• Dầu lửa: Kerosene (literal: "fire oil").
• Kerosene: The English loanword is also understood in technical contexts.

Notes on Usage

• Register: Informal, dialectal.
• Region: Primarily used in some Southern Vietnamese dialects.
• Recommendation: For clarity in communication, especially in writing or with speakers from different regions, it is advisable to use the standard term "dầu hỏa".

1. (địa phương) như dầu hỏa