chén

Meanings

Highlighted words are what Saigon and Hà Nội say differently.

1. bowl

   noun

   bowl, rice bowl

   In Saigon the small rice bowl; a big noodle bowl is tô. In Hà Nội chén is a small cup for tea or rice wine, and the rice bowl is bát.

   • Saigon

     Cho em thêm một chén cơm.

     Hà Nội

     Cho em thêm một bát cơm.

     Another bowl of rice for me, please.

   • Saigon

     Con rửa chén giùm mẹ nha.

     Hà Nội

     Con rửa bát giúp mẹ nhé.

     Could you do the dishes for me, sweetheart?

   In Hà Nội you say bát.

   Also: tô.

   A2Saigon only

2. small cup

   noun

   cup, small cup, teacup

   The Hà Nội meaning: a small cup for tea or rice wine. In Saigon chén is a rice bowl, and a teacup is tách.

   • Mời bác uống chén nước chè.

     Please have a cup of tea.

   • Ông tôi uống một chén rượu trước bữa cơm.

     My grandfather has a small cup of rice wine before dinner.

   A2Hà Nội onlyto recognize