xôi

Mẹ gói xôi trong lá chuối để mang đi làm.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Glutinous rice / Sticky rice: A traditional Vietnamese dish made from glutinous rice that is steamed until it becomes tender, sticky, and cohesive. It is a common staple food, often served as a snack, breakfast, or ceremonial offering.
   • A serving of such rice: Refers to a specific portion or type of prepared sticky rice, which can be plain or mixed with other ingredients for flavor and color.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sáng nay tôi ăn xôi đậu xanh. (This morning I ate sticky rice with mung beans.)
  • Xôi gấc có màu đỏ rất đẹp. (Gac sticky rice has a very beautiful red color.)
  • Mẹ tôi mua xôi ở chợ. (My mother bought sticky rice at the market.)

Advanced Usage

• "xôi lạc": sticky rice with peanuts.

  • Xôi lạc là món ăn đơn giản nhưng ngon. (Sticky rice with peanuts is a simple but delicious dish.)

• "xôi vò": a type of sticky rice where the grains remain separate and are not tightly clumped.

  • Tôi thích ăn xôi vò hơn vì nó khô ráo. (I prefer to eat xôi vò because it is less wet.)

Variants and Related Words

• Xôi mặn (n): savory sticky rice, often topped with ingredients like shredded chicken, pork floss, or pâté.

  • Quán này bán xôi mặn rất nổi tiếng. (This shop sells very famous savory sticky rice.)

• Xôi ngọt (n): sweet sticky rice, often cooked with sugar, coconut milk, or beans.

  • Trẻ con thích ăn xôi ngọt. (Children like to eat sweet sticky rice.)

Synonyms

• Sticky rice: The most direct English equivalent.
• Glutinous rice: The type of rice used, emphasizing its sticky quality.
• Steamed glutinous rice: Describes the cooking method.

Related Idioms and Expressions

• "Xôi hỏng bỏng không": Literally "the sticky rice is ruined and the popcorn is gone." It describes a situation where one fails at both of two options and ends up with nothing, similar to "between a rock and a hard place" or "falling between two stools."

  • Đừng do dự kẻo xôi hỏng bỏng không. (Don't hesitate, or you'll end up losing both.)

• "Ăn xôi chùa": Literally "to eat temple sticky rice." It means to get something for free without having to work or pay for it.

  • Anh ta quen thói ăn xôi chùa rồi. (He is accustomed to getting freebies.)