One Vietnamese Word A Day: SỐ

SỐ: 1. number; 2. fate, destiny; 3. Số là + S V (Here’s the story: S + V)

• xấu số: unlucky and died prematurely. (adj)
• tốt số: lucky and got to do something considered a great privilege such as being born into a good family or marrying a great spouse. (adj)
• tới số: someone is meant to die as a predetermined fact as if one’s time on Earth is already up according to some book, and the death is inevitable. (adj)
• Vé số: lottery ticket.
• Số khổ: a life predetermined to endure hardships.
• Số hưởng: a life predetermined to enjoy pleasures, comfort, and luxuries.
• Số đào hoa: a life predetermined to be promiscuous.

(S: subject; V: verb)