xoa
[swaː˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to rub, to pat (to move one object while maintaining contact with another object over some area)
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Bu nó xoa đầu nó.His mother rubbed his head.
Cùng rửa tay xoa xoa xoa xoa đềuAnd wash your hands, rub rub rub rub evenly
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 apply, to put, to smear, to rub
Examples
Gia đinh với lính tráng chộn rộn không biết thuốc chi mà cứu, đứa chạy ra, đứa chạy vào, đứa rót nước trà, đứa xoa dầu gió.Attendants and soldier were flustered, not knowing what medicine could save him. One ran out, another ran in, another poured tea, and still another rubbed medicated ointment.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(noun) silk fabric
Examples
mua tấm vải xoato buy a length of silk
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “xoa” mean?
(verb) to rub, to pat (to move one object while maintaining contact with another object over some area)
Is “xoa” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.