Definition

Noun: - Hippopotamus: A large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It has a massive body, short legs, and a large head with a wide mouth. The word literally translates to "water buffalo" in English, but it refers specifically to the hippopotamus.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trâu nước là một trong những loài động vật có vú trên cạn lớn nhất. (The hippopotamus is one of the largest land mammals.)
  • Chúng tôi đã nhìn thấy một đàn trâu nước ở sông. (We saw a herd of hippopotamuses at the river.)
  • Trâu nước dành phần lớn thời gian trong nước để giữ mát. (The hippopotamus spends most of its time in the water to stay cool.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "trâu nước" is a compound noun in Vietnamese, formed from "trâu" (buffalo, ox) and "nước" (water). It is used exclusively for the hippopotamus and should not be confused with the common water buffalo (which is "trâu" or "con trâu").

Variants and Related Words

• Hà mã: This is a more formal, scientific, and commonly used synonym for "trâu nước". Both terms refer to the same animal.
  • Hà mã có thể rất nguy hiểm. (Hippopotamuses can be very dangerous.)

Synonyms

• Hippopotamus (English): The direct translation and equivalent term.
• Hà mã (Vietnamese): The other primary Vietnamese term for the same animal.

Notes on Different Meanings

• "Trâu nước" has only one specific meaning: the hippopotamus. It does not refer to the domestic water buffalo (con trâu), which is a different animal entirely. The name is descriptive, highlighting the animal's large, buffalo-like size and aquatic nature.

noun

1. hippopotamus