riềng
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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.)
- Galingale, alpinia (kind of zingiberaceous plant).
- (thông tục) Abuse, scold, rebuke
- Bị riềng một trận nên thânTo get a sound scolding