Definition

1. Noun:
   • Otter: A semi-aquatic mammal belonging to the weasel family (Mustelidae). It has a long, slender body, webbed feet, and dense fur, and is known for its excellent swimming ability. Otters are carnivorous and primarily eat fish.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Rái cá là loài thú rất giỏi bơi lội. (The otter is a very skilled swimming animal.)
  • Chúng tôi nhìn thấy một con rái cá đang bắt cá trên sông. (We saw an otter catching fish in the river.)
  • Bộ lông của rái cá rất dày và không thấm nước. (The otter's fur is very thick and waterproof.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "rái cá" is sometimes used in compound names for specific otter species found in Vietnam, such as "rái cá thường" (Eurasian otter) or "rái cá vuốt bé" (Asian small-clawed otter).

Variants and Related Words

• Rái cá biển (n): Sea otter (). A marine species known for using tools to open shellfish.
  • Rái cá biển thường nằm ngửa trên mặt nước. (Sea otters often float on their backs on the water's surface.)

Synonyms

• Otter: The direct and most common English translation.

Related Idioms and Cultural Notes

• While "rái cá" itself is not commonly used in Vietnamese idioms, otters are culturally recognized for their cleverness and skill in fishing. They are sometimes featured in folk tales as clever animals.
• Historically, "rái cá" was hunted for its prized, water-resistant pelt.

noun

1. otter