Definition

1. Noun:
   • Underpants / Underwear: A basic, often short, undergarment worn beneath outer clothing, typically covering the waist to the mid-thigh or knee. This is the most common and direct meaning.
   • Shorts / Trunks: In specific contexts, it can refer to short trousers, similar to boxer shorts or athletic shorts, used for sleeping, relaxing, or as swim trunks.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ấy mặc một chiếc xà lỏn màu trắng. (He is wearing a pair of white underpants.)
  • Trời nóng nên tôi chỉ mặc quần xà lỏn ở nhà. (It's hot, so I only wear shorts at home.)
  • Trẻ con thường mặc xà lỏn khi đi tắm biển. (Children often wear trunks when going to the beach.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in the compound form "quần xà lỏn" to specify it is a type of trousers/shorts, making the meaning clearer.
  • "Quần xà lỏn" của người miền Nam tương đương với "quần đùi" của người miền Bắc. (The Southern "quần xà lỏn" is equivalent to the Northern "quần đùi".)

Variants and Related Words

• Quần xà lỏn (n): A more complete and common term for underpants or shorts.
• Quần đùi (n): A common Northern Vietnamese term for shorts, often athletic or casual.
• Quần lót (n): A general term for underwear (panties, briefs).

Synonyms

• Underwear: General term for undergarments.
• Shorts: A garment worn on the lower body, not reaching the knee.
• Trunks: Shorts worn for swimming or boxing.
• Boxers: A style of loose-fitting underwear or shorts.

Notes on Usage

• "Xà lỏn" is considered a colloquial term, more commonly used in Southern Vietnam.
• It can sometimes carry a humorous or slightly informal connotation. In formal contexts, terms like "quần lót" (for underwear) or "quần đùi" (for shorts) are often preferred for clarity.