ma-cà-rồng
Definition
- Noun:
- Vampire: A mythical or folkloric creature, often depicted as an undead being that subsists by feeding on the life essence (typically blood) of living humans. This is the direct and primary translation.
- Figuratively, a ruthless exploiter: A person who preys on or ruthlessly exploits others, draining their resources or vitality.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Truyền thuyết về ma-cà-rồng xuất hiện ở nhiều nền văn hóa. (Legends about vampires appear in many cultures.)
- Hắn ta là một tên ma-cà-rồng, hút cạn tiền bạc của công nhân. (He is a vampire, draining the workers' money.)
- Bộ phim đó có một ma-cà-rồng rất đáng sợ. (That movie has a very scary vampire.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "ma-cà-rồng" is a direct cultural loanword and is used identically to "vampire" in English contexts, covering both the supernatural monster and the metaphorical exploiter.
- It is commonly used in discussions of global pop culture, literature (e.g., Dracula), and film.
Variants and Related Words
- Ma cà rồng chó (n): A specific folkloric variant; a vampire-like creature often associated with a dog or a canine form. This can be translated as a or
- Câu chuyện dân gian kể về một con ma cà rồng chó. (The folk tale tells of a hellhound.)
Synonyms
- Vampire: The direct equivalent.
- Bloodsucker: Literal and figurative synonym.
- Parasite: Figurative synonym for an exploitative person.
Related Idioms
- While "ma-cà-rồng" itself is not commonly part of traditional Vietnamese idioms, it is used in modern, figurative expressions:
- Hành xử như ma-cà-rồng: To behave like a vampire (i.e., to exploit others cruelly).
- Công ty đó hành xử như ma-cà-rồng với nhân viên. (That company behaves like a vampire towards its employees.)