cái — meaning in English: female

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for female

cái

vâng

nguyên lý

tối

khái niệm

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Vietnamese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'cái' in casual conversations when referring to female individuals, whether it's in discussions about family, friends, or colleagues. For instance, a parent might say 'cái này là con gái của tôi' (this is my daughter) during a family gathering.

Synonyms & nuances

'Cái' is often compared to 'nữ', another word meaning female. However, 'cái' is more widely used in everyday speech, while 'nữ' tends to appear in more formal contexts, such as in official documents or discussions about gender in academia.

Culture

The word 'cái' has deep roots in Vietnamese language and culture, reflecting the importance of gender in everyday conversation. It not only refers to females but is also commonly used as a classifier for feminine nouns, showcasing the language's unique structure where nouns are often paired with classifiers.

FAQ

Q.What does cái mean in Vietnamese?

'Cái' means female in Vietnamese. It's commonly used to refer to women or girls in a variety of contexts, making it an essential word for learners.

Q.How do I use cái in a sentence?

You can use 'cái' to describe a female person, such as in 'Cô ấy là cái gái thông minh' (She is a smart girl). It's important to note that it functions as a classifier, so its placement in a sentence can vary.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with cái?

'Cái' is sometimes incorrectly used as a standalone term for female without context. Remember, it usually precedes a noun, so make sure to use it with a noun for clarity.

Learn vietnamese with Maspeak →

Vietnamese Vocabulary