thưng
Definition
- Noun:
- A traditional unit of dry measure: A "thưng" is a historical Vietnamese unit of volume, specifically defined as one-tenth of an "đấu," used for measuring grains, rice, and other dry goods.
- A small, specific quantity: By extension, it can refer to a modest or precise amount of something, often within a traditional context.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Người nông dân đong một thưng gạo. (The farmer measured out one thưng of rice.)
- Trong kho còn ba thưng thóc. (There are three thưng of paddy left in the barn.)
- Lường thưng tráo đấu là thói xấu. (Measuring by the thưng but swapping the đấu is a bad practice [from the proverb].)
Advanced Usage
- The word "thưng" is primarily used in historical, literary, or proverbial contexts, as modern Vietnam uses the metric system. It evokes imagery of traditional markets and agricultural life.
Variants and Related Words
- Đấu (n): A larger traditional unit of dry measure, equivalent to ten .
- Cân (n): A traditional unit of weight, distinct from volumetric measures like .
Synonyms
- Measure: a unit or standard for determining quantity.
- Portion: a part of a whole, especially a serving or amount.
Related Idioms
- Lường thưng tráo đấu: Literally "to measure with a but swap in an ." This idiom means to cheat or deceive in measurement, symbolizing dishonesty and trickery in business or dealings.
- Kinh doanh phải thật thà, đừng lường thưng tráo đấu. (In business, one must be honest and not cheat in measurements.)