Definition

1. Noun:

   • Galangal: A tropical plant (Alpinia officinarum) of the ginger family, valued for its aromatic rhizome which is used as a spice in cooking and in traditional medicine. Its flavor is more citrusy and pine-like than common ginger.
   • (Slang) A scolding, a rebuke, a telling-off: A harsh reprimand or verbal abuse.

2. Verb (slang):

   • To scold, to rebuke, to tell off, to give someone a piece of one's mind: To criticize or speak to someone angrily and severely.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Botanical):

  • Món thịt kho này có mùi thơm của riềng. (This braised pork dish has the fragrance of galangal.)
  • Củ riềng thường được dùng trong các món ăn truyền thống. (Galangal root is often used in traditional dishes.)

• Noun/Verb (Slang):

  • Nó bị một trận riềng nên thân từ sếp. (He got a sound scolding from the boss.)
  • Bố mẹ riềng nó một trận vì kết quả học tập kém. (His parents gave him a severe telling-off for his poor academic results.)

Advanced Usage

• The slang usage derives from the pungent, sharp, and "biting" flavor of the galangal rhizome, metaphorically applied to sharp, harsh words.
• The phrase "bị/một trận riềng nên thân" is a common idiom meaning "to get a thorough/sound scolding," emphasizing the intensity and memorability of the reprimand.

Variants and Related Words

• Củ riềng (n): Galangal root/rhizome (specifying the part used).
• Riềng nếp (n): A specific, highly aromatic variety of galangal.

Synonyms

• Galangal, Siamese ginger, Thai ginger (for the plant).
• Scolding, rebuke, reprimand, telling-off, dressing-down (for the slang meaning).

Related Idioms

• Bị (một trận) riềng nên thân: To be severely scolded; to get a scolding one will remember.
  • Nó đi học muộn nên bị cô giáo riềng cho một trận nên thân. (He was late for school so the teacher gave him a scolding he won't forget.)

1. Galingale, alpinia (kind of zingiberaceous plant).
2. (thông tục) Abuse, scold, rebuke
   • Bị riềng một trận nên thân
     To get a sound scolding