Hi, I noticed that some road names in Hanoi start with the word Pho. This pho is different from the noodles pho right? How is it pronounced? And does it mean road or street? Thanks!
@Foong: Great question! I've seen this confusion in recent years as more people visit Hanoi and learn more about North Vietnam. In North Vietnam, the word you're referring to is phố. It is definitely not phở.
Phố is pronounced "foh" with an up trailing accent. Yes, it is the same foh that many people claim as pronunciation of phở. It is not. That's the reason I've been advocating correct pronunciation, otherwise things get out of hand 😉 Phố means street, district, or can also mean house or apartment. A common phrase we still hear today is "Hà Nội xưa có ba mươi sáu phố phường," which means "Old Hanoi had thirty six streets and districts." For many Vietnamese, and especially for me even though I've never been to Hanoi, this phrase gives an immediate warm feeling of home, of the familiarity, of being Vietnamese.
Thanks for the explanation! You've been great help! Now I can mention this in my blog! 🙂
@Foong: You are very welcome. Great question. And hey, I like your blog too. good stuff!
