Vietnamese

Noun

xà bông

1. (Southern Vietnam) soap
2. (Southern Vietnam, colloquial) laundry detergent, washing powder

Usage notes

In Southern regions, xà bông usually colloquially refers to laundry detergent instead of soap. If you go to a general store asking for a xà bông, they would give you laundry powder. You should be more specific by asking for a "xà bông tắm" ("soap for bathing") if you want a real soap, and for a "xà bông giặt" ("soap for laundry") if you want detergent.

Synonyms

• xà phòng
• bột giặt