Definition

1. Noun:
   • Barber: A person whose occupation is to cut, trim, style, and shave men's hair and beards.
   • (Archaic/Historical): A person who performed minor surgeries and tooth extractions in addition to cutting hair and shaving.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ấy là một thợ cạo rất có kinh nghiệm ở tiệm tóc cũ. (He is a very experienced barber at the old barbershop.)
  • Ông nội tôi thường đến gặp thợ cạo mỗi tuần một lần để cạo râu. (My grandfather used to see the barber once a week for a shave.)

Advanced Usage

• "Thợ cạo" vs. "Thợ cắt tóc": While both can mean "barber," "thợ cạo" traditionally emphasizes the shaving aspect and is associated with classic barbershops. "Thợ cắt tóc" is a more general modern term for a hair cutter/stylist, often used for both men and women.
• Historical Context: In the past, a "thợ cạo" (barber-surgeon) performed basic medical procedures. This dual role is now obsolete.

Variants and Related Words

• Thợ cắt tóc (n): Hairdresser, hair stylist. (A more general modern term).
• Thợ hớt tóc (n): (Regional/Less common) Barber.
• Tiệm cắt tóc / Tiệm hớt tóc (n): Barbershop, hair salon.
• Cạo (v): To shave (especially facial hair).

Synonyms

• Thợ hớt tóc: Barber (synonymous, though slightly less common).
• Người cắt tóc: Person who cuts hair (a descriptive synonym).

Related Phrases (if applicable)

• Đi cắt tóc / Đi hớt tóc: To go for a haircut.
  • Tôi cần đi cắt tóc vào ngày mai. (I need to get a haircut tomorrow.)
• Cạo mặt / Cạo râu: To shave (the face).
  • Thợ cạo thường cung cấp dịch vụ cạo mặt truyền thống. (A barber often provides traditional shaving services.)

Related Idioms

• Chuyện thợ cạo, thợ mộc: (Lit. "Story of the barber and the carpenter") An idiom referring to trivial, everyday gossip or shop talk among people of the same trade.
  • Họ ngồi uống cà phê nói chuyện thợ cạo, thợ mộc cả buổi. (They sat drinking coffee, talking shop talk all afternoon.)

noun

1. barber