Definition

1. Intransitive Verb:
   • To emit a strong smell, to become fragrant or pungent: Describes the action of a substance releasing a noticeable, often strong, odor. This can be positive (fragrant, aromatic) or negative (stinking, rank), depending on the context and the specific smell.
   • To become seasoned, to develop flavor (in cooking): Used in culinary contexts to describe the moment when spices, herbs, or ingredients release their full aroma and flavor into a dish during the cooking process.

Usage Examples

• Intransitive Verb:
  • Món cà ri đang dậy mùi thơm phức trong bếp. (The curry is emitting a delicious smell in the kitchen.)
  • Thùng rác để lâu ngày bắt đầu dậy mùi hôi. (The trash bin left for many days started to stink.)
  • Cho tỏi vào phi cho dậy mùi rồi mới cho thịt vào xào. (Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant / it releases its aroma, then add the meat to stir-fry.)

Advanced Usage

• "làm dậy mùi": To enhance the aroma/flavor, to bring out the smell.
  • Một chút rượu trắng sẽ làm dậy mùi thơm của món sườn nướng. (A little white wine will enhance the aroma of the grilled ribs.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dậy (verb): To rise, to swell, to emerge (e.g., - the sun rises; - dough rises). In "dậy mùi", it carries the sense of "to well up" or "to emanate".
• Bốc mùi (verb phrase): To reek, to give off a bad smell (usually negative).
• Tỏa mùi thơm (verb phrase): To exude a fragrance (positive).

Synonyms

• Bốc mùi: To reek (usually for unpleasant smells).
• Tỏa hương: To emit a scent (usually pleasant and poetic).
• Nồng nặc (mùi): (To be) strong and pungent (smell).

Related Phrases / Idioms

• Dậy thì (noun): Puberty (a completely different compound word; "dậy" here means "to arrive at", "to enter" a phase). This is listed here to avoid confusion with "dậy mùi". They are not related in meaning.

1. Smelling, stinking