đỡ đầu
[ʔɗəː˦ˀ˥ ʔɗəw˨˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) of a godparent; one who sponsors the baptism of a child
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
cha đỡ đầugodfather
mẹ đỡ đầugodmother
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
(adjective) of one who provides counsel or mentorship, whether materially or spiritually
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(verb) to raise a child; to act as a godparent
Examples
Đỡ đầu trẻ mồ côiorphan caretaker
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “đỡ đầu” mean?
(adjective) of a godparent; one who sponsors the baptism of a child
Is “đỡ đầu” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.