mối

See also: Appendix:Variations of "moi"

Vietnamese

Pronunciation

• (Hà Nội) IPA^(key): [moj˧˦]
• (Huế) IPA^(key): [moj˨˩˦]
• (Saigon) IPA^(key): [moj˦˥]

• Audio (Hà Nội):

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Etymology 1

From Proto-Vietic *k-moːlʔ ~ *k-muːrʔ ~ *k-moːrʔ. Cognate with Proto-Katuic *kmuar (whence Pacoh camoar (“termite”)), Semai kemur (“caterpillar, maggot”), Khmer ខ្មើរ (khmaə, “flying ant”), ខ្មុល (khmol, “mole cricket”).

Noun

(classifier con) mối • (𧋟)

1. termite

Etymology 2

From Proto-Vietic *ɓoːlʔ, from Proto-Mon-Khmer *ɓulʔ ~ *ɓuəl(); cognate with Proto-Bahnaric *ɓuəl ~ *buəl and Mang ɓoːl⁴.

Noun

(classifier con) mối

1. (dialectal) common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus)

Derived terms

• cá mối
• mối rách
• rắn mối

 

Etymology 3

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

mối • (䋦)

1. knot; end (of entangled thread or string)

Classifier

mối

1. Used for romantic relationships or a sentiment of hatred

   mối tình ― a love affair

   mối thù ― hatred; feud

Etymology 4

Non-Sino-Vietnamese reading of Chinese 媒 (“matchmaker”, SV: môi).

Noun

mối

1. negotiator; go-between

Verb

mối

1. (colloquial) to be a matchmaker