dong in English
- dong⇄dong, noun.
the unit of money of Vietnam, equal to 100 sau. The unit of former South Vietnam was the piaster.
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dong
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/dɒŋ/ (British English), /dɔŋ/ (American English)
Definitions
- The basic monetary unit of Vietnam, equal to 100 xu.
- A deep, resonant sound, especially the sound of a large bell.
- (Informal, vulgar slang) A euphemism for the male genitalia.
Usage Examples
- The price was 50,000 dong for a meal in Hanoi.
- The dong of the church bell echoed through the valley.
- (Informal) He made a crude joke about the word dong.
Etymology
From Vietnamese đồng, meaning "copper" or "coin," adopted as the currency name in 1978. The bell sound sense is onomatopoeic, originating from Middle English.
Synonyms
- Currency (Vietnamese dong)
- Chime (for bell sound)
- Peal (for bell sound)
Antonyms
- Silence (for sound)
- Stillness (for sound)
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnamese | đồng | /ɗôŋ/ |
| Spanish | dong | /doŋ/ |
| French | dong | /dɔŋ/ |
| Hindi | डोंग (Dong) | /ɖoŋ/ |
| Tamil | டொங் (Toṅ) | /ɖoŋ/ |
(More translations in over 20 global and 30 Indian languages available upon request.)
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: /dɒŋ/
- American English: /dɔŋ/
Historical Usage
The Vietnamese dong was introduced in 1978, replacing the former South and North Vietnamese currencies. The bell sound usage dates back to Middle English, while the slang meaning emerged in the mid-20th century.
Cultural Nuances
The Vietnamese dong is one of the lowest-valued currencies globally. The bell sound is often associated with religious or ceremonial settings.
More Information
The Vietnamese dong reflects the country's economic history and political changes. The sound of a dong in literature often symbolizes the passage of time or solemnity. The slang meaning is primarily found in informal or humorous contexts.