Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tree species: "Vối" refers to a tree (Cleistocalyx operculatus) native to Southeast Asia, whose leaves and flower buds are used to make a traditional herbal tea.
   • The product from the tree: It can also refer to the dried leaves or buds of this tree, which are steeped in hot water to make an infusion.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Lá vối được phơi khô để pha nước uống. (Vối leaves are dried to make an infusion for drinking.)
  • Nước vối có màu nâu đỏ và vị hơi chát. (Vối tea has a reddish-brown color and a slightly astringent taste.)
  • Cây vối thường mọc ở vùng đồi núi phía Bắc. (The vối tree often grows in the mountainous regions of the North.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nước vối": vối tea, the beverage made by steeping the dried leaves or buds.

  • Ở quê, bà tôi thường uống nước vối thay trà. (In the countryside, my grandmother often drinks vối tea instead of regular tea.)

• "Hoa vối": vối flower buds, which are also used to make tea.

  • Hoa vối pha nước thơm hơn lá. (Tea made from vối flower buds is more fragrant than from the leaves.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cây vối (n): the vối tree.
• Lá vối (n): vối leaves.
• Nụ vối (n): vối buds.

Synonyms

• Cleistocalyx operculatus: The scientific name for the vối tree.
• Herbal tea plant: A general descriptive term.
• Jambosier à thé: The French term from the reference.

Related Cultural Context

• Traditional use: "Vối" is not just a plant but part of traditional Vietnamese herbal practices, often consumed for its perceived digestive and cooling benefits.
  • Nhiều người tin rằng nước vối giúp giải nhiệt mùa hè. (Many people believe vối tea helps cool the body in the summer.)