khăn ăn
Definition
- Noun:
- Napkin: A small piece of cloth or paper used during a meal to wipe one's mouth and fingers.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Hãy đặt khăn ăn bên cạnh đĩa. (Please place the napkin next to the plate.)
- Cô ấy dùng khăn ăn để lau miệng. (She used the napkin to wipe her mouth.)
- Nhà hàng này phục vụ khăn ăn bằng vải. (This restaurant serves cloth napkins.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is a compound noun, where "khăn" means cloth/towel and "ăn" means to eat. It is used exclusively for the item related to dining.
- In formal table settings, "khăn ăn" often refers to a fabric napkin, while "khăn giấy" specifically means a paper napkin or tissue.
Variants and Related Words
- Khăn giấy (n): Paper napkin, paper towel, or tissue.
- Anh lấy cho tôi một tờ khăn giấy. (Get me a paper napkin.)
- Khăn trải bàn (n): Tablecloth.
- Khăn trải bàn màu trắng trông rất sang trọng. (The white tablecloth looks very elegant.)
Synonyms
- Napkin: The direct and most common equivalent.
- Serviette: A formal term for a table napkin (common in British English).
Related Phrases
- Gấp khăn ăn: To fold a napkin.
- Người phục vụ đang gấp khăn ăn một cách nghệ thuật. (The server is folding the napkins artistically.)
- Để khăn ăn trên đùi: To place a napkin on one's lap.
- Trong bữa ăn trang trọng, bạn nên để khăn ăn trên đùi. (In a formal meal, you should place the napkin on your lap.)