Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Bisexual: Having sexual or romantic attraction to both men and women.
   • Hermaphrodite: (In biology) An organism possessing both male and female reproductive organs.

Usage

• This word is used to describe a person's sexual orientation or, in a biological context, an organism's physical sex characteristics.
• Note: This term is colloquial ( = khẩu ngữ) and can be considered informal, dated, or potentially offensive when referring to human sexuality. Modern, respectful terms like "song tính" (bisexual) or "liên giới tính" (intersex) are preferred.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy bị mọi người gọi là lại cái. (He is called "lại cái" by everyone.)
  • Trong tự nhiên, một số loài ốc sên là lại cái. (In nature, some snail species are hermaphrodites.)

Advanced Usage / Nuances

• The term is primarily used in spoken language.
• When referring to human sexuality, its usage often reflects older, less nuanced understandings and may carry a stigmatizing or pejorative connotation. It is crucial to be aware of this context.

Variants and Related Words

• Song tính: (Adjective) Bisexual. This is the standard, modern term for human bisexuality.
• Liên giới tính: (Adjective) Intersex. Refers to individuals born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.
• Ái nam ái nữ: (Phrase, adjective) This is the formal, descriptive phrase meaning "loving both men and women," equivalent to bisexual. The reference definition lists this as the meaning of "lại cái."

Synonyms

• Lưỡng tính: This word can mean "bisexual" but also "hermaphrodite" or "androgynous," depending on context. It is more formal than "lại cái."
• Ái nam ái nữ: (As above) Bisexual.

Important Note

• "Lại cái" is not a phrasal verb or idiom. It is a fixed compound adjective.
• Due to its colloquial and potentially sensitive nature, it is recommended for learners to understand this word primarily for comprehension. For active use in describing people, the terms "song tính" (for orientation) and "liên giới tính" (for biology/intersex people) are more appropriate and respectful.

adjective

1. bisexual; hermaphrodite