bạc
/ɓaːk̚/A precious metal with a white, shiny appearance, often used in jewelry and coins.
Tôi mua một chiếc vòng bạc cho mẹ.
I bought a silver bracelet for my mother.
In Vietnamese, 'bạc' can also refer to money in general, especially in informal contexts.
Money or currency, often used in informal or slang contexts.
Anh có bạc không?
Do you have money?
This usage is common in everyday speech but is considered informal.
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Usage
Use 'bạc' for 'silver' in all contexts, but for 'money,' prefer 'tiền bạc' in formal writing and 'cái bạc' in casual speech.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Confusion
Do not confuse 'bạc' (silver/money) with 'bạc' (also a surname in Vietnamese).
📖Word Origin
From Sino-Vietnamese 銀 (ngân), meaning 'silver.' The word 'bạc' is derived from this character and has been used in Vietnamese for centuries to refer to the metal and, by extension, money.
📝Usage Notes
While 'bạc' primarily means 'silver,' it is also commonly used to refer to money in informal contexts. In formal or technical contexts, 'tiền' or 'tiền bạc' is preferred for 'silver thread' (a poetic term for silver).