chua ngoét
Definition
- Adjective:
- Extremely sour, intensely tart: Describes a taste or flavor that is overwhelmingly sour, often unpleasantly so. It can be used literally for food/drinks or figuratively for speech/tone.
- Very acerbic, bitingly sharp: Used to describe words, criticism, or a person's manner that is harsh, sarcastic, and unpleasant.
Usage Examples
- Literal (Taste):
- Quả xoài này chua ngoét, không thể ăn được. (This mango is extremely sour, it's inedible.)
- Cô ấy pha nước chanh chua ngoét. (She made a lemonade that was intensely tart.)
- Figurative (Tone/Speech):
- Anh ta trả lời bằng một giọng chua ngoét. (He replied in a bitingly sharp tone.)
- Lời phê bình của cô ấy chua ngoét khiến ai cũng khó chịu. (Her criticism was so acerbic that it made everyone uncomfortable.)
Advanced Usage
- Used for emphasis: The word "ngoét" intensifies "chua," making it stronger than just "chua." It often conveys a negative judgment.
- Descriptive metaphor: Can describe an environment or situation metaphorically as "sour" or unpleasant.
- Bầu không khí trong phòng họp chua ngoét sau cuộc tranh cãi. (The atmosphere in the meeting room was bitterly sour after the argument.)
Variants and Related Words
- Chua (adj): Sour, tart. The base adjective without the intense connotation.
- Canh chua (sour soup)
- Chua chát (adj): Bitter, acrid; often used for a feeling of bitterness or resentment.
- Nụ cười chua chát (a bitter smile)
- Chua loét (adj): Synonymous with "chua ngoét," meaning extremely sour or acerbic.
Synonyms
- Chua lè: (adj) Very sour (colloquial). Often interchangeable with "chua ngoét."
- Cay nghiệt: (adj) Harsh, cruel, severe. More about cruelty than sourness, but can overlap in figurative use for speech.
Related Phrases
- Giọng chua ngoét: A sharp, acerbic tone of voice.
- Lời lẽ chua ngoét: Sharp, biting words.
Related Idioms
- Chua như giấm: (As sour as vinegar) A common idiom meaning very sour. "Chua ngoét" is a more vivid and intensified version.
- Bụng nghĩ miệng nói ra những lời chua ngoét: (The belly thinks, the mouth speaks out sharp words) Describes speaking blunt, harsh thoughts without filter.