Vietnamese · Food & Drink
cá
Fish
Beginnernoun
Definition
An animal that lives in water; fish sauce, nước mắm, defines Vietnamese cooking.
Example
Cá kho tộ là món ăn truyền thống.
Braised fish in clay pot is a traditional dish.
Etymology
Cá originates from Old Vietnamese and has cognates in various Austroasiatic languages. It is used to denote fish, presenting an essential part of Vietnamese cuisine.
How & Where It’s Used
Cá is used in both spoken and written Vietnamese, commonly found in menus and conversations, particularly in the context of meal preparation. It is informal and popular in both coastal and inland regions.
Literary Heritage
Cá has significant mentions in Vietnamese proverbs and traditional stories, often symbolizing sustenance and abundance.