Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific cultivar of mango: "Xoài tượng" refers to a distinct variety of mango (Mangifera indica) known for its very large size and characteristically flat, compressed seed.
   • Literally "elephant mango": The name derives from "xoài" (mango) and "tượng" (elephant, ivory, statue), likely alluding to its impressive, substantial size.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Xoài tượng thường to hơn nhiều so với xoài thường. (The "xoài tượng" is usually much larger than a common mango.)
  • Hương vị của xoài tượng chua ngọt rất đặc trưng. (The flavor of the "elephant mango" is a very distinctive sweet and sour taste.)
  • Hạt xoài tượng rất dẹt. (The seed of the "xoài tượng" is very flat.)

Advanced Usage

• "Xoài tượng ăn xanh": This variety is often consumed while still green (unripe), typically sliced and served with a dipping sauce made from salt, sugar, and chili.
  • Món xoài tượng ăn xanh chấm mắm ruốc là đặc sản miền Trung. ("Xoài tượng" eaten green with fermented shrimp paste dip is a Central region specialty.)

Variants and Related Words

• Xoài (n): mango, the general term for the fruit.
• Xoài cát (n): another prized Vietnamese mango cultivar, known for its sweetness and often eaten ripe.
• Xoài tượng chín (n): a ripe "xoài tượng," which is less commonly consumed than the green version but has a different flavor profile.

Synonyms

• Elephant mango: A direct translation of the name.
• Large-flat-seeded mango: A descriptive term highlighting its key characteristics.

Related Idioms

• Không phải xoài tượng: Literally "it's not an elephant mango," used colloquially to imply something is not as impressive, substantial, or high-quality as claimed or expected.
  • Lời hứa của họ nghe hay nhưng thực ra không phải xoài tượng đâu. (Their promise sounds good, but in reality, it's not that impressive.)