What does chao mean?
The chao is a former fractional monetary unit of Vietnam, historically defined as one hundredth of a dong. Like many small-denomination units worldwide, it became impractical as inflation eroded its purchasing power, and it has effectively disappeared from daily commerce. Today the word survives mainly in numismatic literature, historical texts about Vietnamese currency, and discussions of old coins or banknotes. Because it appears so rarely outside these specialized contexts, most English speakers encounter 'chao' only when reading about Southeast Asian monetary history. It should not be confused with the Italian interjection 'ciao', which sounds similar but means 'hello' or 'goodbye'. For collectors and historians, however, the chao remains a useful term for describing the finer divisions of the Vietnamese dong as they once circulated.
nounA former monetary subunit of Vietnam, equal to one hundredth of a dong. It is now largely obsolete due to the low value of the subunit.
- A former subunit of the Vietnamese dong, equal to one hundredth of a dong.
"The old banknote was denominated in chao, worth only a fraction of a dong."
"Prices were once quoted in chao before inflation made the unit impractical."
"He kept an old chao coin in his collection of world currency."
The plural is typically left unchanged, following the pattern of many currency names borrowed into English.
"He sorted through a handful of old chao from his grandfather's travels."
Vietnam's tiniest coin, the chao, was worth so little that it effectively vanished from everyday use.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chao
The word 'chao' comes from Vietnamese, where it denoted a small fractional unit of currency, equivalent to one hundredth of a dong. It entered English usage through references to Vietnamese money during the 20th century, particularly in colonial-era and wartime accounts. Its use has declined alongside the practical disappearance of the subunit itself.
How chao is actually used
Almost exclusively encountered in historical or numismatic contexts; rarely used in modern conversation since the subunit has fallen out of circulation.
Easily confused with chao
'Ciao' is an Italian greeting meaning 'hello' or 'goodbye', while 'chao' refers to a monetary subunit of Vietnam.