bới
[ʔɓəːj˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to search for something by digging through or unsettling the earth
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
nét chữ gà bớichicken scratches
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(verb) to scoop up
Examples
bới cơmto scoop rice
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(verb) to do one's hair
Examples
bới tóc bịt khăn vuôngto style one's hair then cover it with a traditional square scarf
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “bới” mean?
(verb) to search for something by digging through or unsettling the earth
Is “bới” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.