Bó

Bó is a Latin-script form that appears in several languages as a word or as part of a name. It does not refer to a single, unified concept, but rather to different words or surnames that happen to share the same spelling when diacritics are used. The accent on the o signals different pronunciations and meanings in distinct linguistic contexts.

In Mandarin Chinese, Bó is the pinyin romanization of 薄, a common surname. It is typically pronounced with a rising second tone. As a surname, 薄 is used by numerous families across China and among Chinese communities worldwide. In general, 薄 also has meanings such as “thin” or “weak,” but those senses are separate from its use as a family name.

In Irish Gaelic, bó denotes the word for “cow.” It appears in everyday language and in historical or literary contexts. The term is foundational in Celtic vocabulary and can appear in place names or traditional expressions, reflecting its role in the language’s animal-and-farm lexicon.

In Vietnamese, bó means a bundle or sheaf and is commonly used in everyday speech. It forms part of many compound terms, such as bó hoa (bouquet) or bó củi (bundle of firewood). The tone on the o is a distinguishing feature of Vietnamese pronunciation.

Beyond these, Bó can function as a personal name or toponym in other languages using the Latin alphabet, where its meaning is determined by local usage. Overall, Bó exemplifies how a single spelling can carry multiple, language-specific significances.