Definition

1. Noun:
   • Taro: "khoai sọ" is the Vietnamese name for the taro plant (Colocasia esculenta) or its edible corm. It is a starchy root vegetable, often smaller and rounder than other taro varieties, with a hairy, brownish skin and white or purple-tinged flesh.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Mẹ tôi thường nấu canh móng giò với khoai sọ. (My mother often cooks pork trotter soup with taro.)
  • Khoai sọ luộc chấm muối vừng là một món ăn dân dã. (Boiled taro dipped in sesame salt is a rustic dish.)
  • Củ khoai sọ này có nhiều củ con bám xung quanh. (This taro corm has many smaller corms attached around it.)

Advanced Usage

• "khoai sọ nước" / "khoai sọ núi": These terms may specify different varieties of taro, often distinguished by their growing conditions (water vs. upland) which can affect texture and taste.
  • Khoai sọ nước thường bở và thơm hơn. (Wetland taro is usually more crumbly and fragrant.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khoai môn (n): Another common Vietnamese term for taro, often referring to larger varieties. While closely related, "khoai sọ" and "khoai môn" can sometimes be used interchangeably or to denote specific types.
• Củ khoai (n): A general term for tuber or root vegetable.
• Cây khoai sọ (n): The taro plant itself.

Synonyms

• Taro: The direct English equivalent.
• Eddoe / Dasheen: Other English names for types of taro, similar to "khoai sọ".

Related Phrases

• Bị ngứa khoai sọ: An idiom referring to the itchy sensation caused by handling raw taro due to calcium oxalate crystals. It can metaphorically describe a mild irritation or annoyance.
  • Nhớ đeo găng tay khi gọt không thì bị ngứa khoai sọ đấy. (Remember to wear gloves when peeling it, or you'll get that taro itch.)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "khoai sọ" refers specifically to the plant and its corm. It does not have other common metaphorical meanings. Its primary context is culinary and agricultural.

noun

1. taro