Like other Asian languages, Vietnamese has several terms for aunts and uncles. “Bác” is used to call the elder brothers and sisters of one’s father (an elder uncle’s wife is “bác gái”).
The father’s younger brother is called chú, and younger sisters are “Cô or thím”. The mother’s sisters are traditionally called “dì”, and brothers cậu, although, in modern usage bác, chú, cô are commonly used for both sides of the family. Common sayings: Chú cũng như cha (an uncle should be considered as one’s own father). Sẩy cha còn chú, sẩy mẹ bú dì (if the father is dead, there is still the uncle; if the mother is dead, the aunt’s breast can still nurse).
