trầu không

Người bà lấy lá trầu không từ giỏ để têm trầu.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Betel leaf: The leaf of a climbing vine (Piper betle) from the pepper family, characterized by its large, heart-shaped form. It is a key component in the traditional practice of chewing betel quid.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Bà tôi thường têm trầu không rất khéo. (My grandmother used to prepare betel leaves very skillfully.)
  • Lá trầu không có mùi thơm nồng. (The betel leaf has a pungent aroma.)
  • Miếng trầu là sự kết hợp của trầu không, vôi, và cau. (A betel quid is a combination of betel leaf, slaked lime, and areca nut.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "trầu không" specifically refers to the leaf. The entire cultural practice is called "ăn trầu" (chewing betel). The prepared parcel is called "miếng trầu".
  • "Miếng trầu đầu câu chuyện" is a common saying, meaning a betel quid starts the conversation, highlighting its traditional social role.

Variants and Related Words

• Ăn trầu (v): To chew betel quid.
  • Tục ăn trầu đã có từ lâu đời. (The custom of chewing betel has existed for a long time.)
• Miếng trầu (n): A prepared betel quid.
  • Cô ấy mời khách một miếng trầu. (She offered the guest a betel quid.)
• Cau (n): Areca nut, chewed with the betel leaf.
• Vôi (n): Slaked lime, a paste applied to the betel leaf.

Synonyms

• Betel leaf
• (scientific name)

Cultural Notes

• "Trầu không" is deeply embedded in Vietnamese tradition, symbolizing hospitality, conversation, and ritual. It was historically central to social interactions, weddings, and ceremonies.
• The phrase "trầu cau" (betel leaf and areca nut) together represents marriage and fidelity, originating from a famous folktale.