Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Brittle; fragile: Describes an object that is hard but easily broken or shattered into pieces, often with a sharp sound.
   • Crispy; crunchy: Describes food that is firm, dry, and makes a sharp sound when bitten or broken, indicating freshness or correct cooking.
   • (Of a sound) Clear and sharp; ringing: Describes a sound that is short, loud, bright, and pleasingly distinct, like a laugh or an explosion.
   • (Archaic/poetic) Charming; lovely; delightful: An older, sometimes poetic usage to describe a person's attractive and pleasing appearance or manner.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Brittle):
  • Thủy tinh rất giòn. (Glass is very brittle.)
• Adjective (Crispy):
  • Bánh quy này ăn rất giòn. (This cookie is very crispy to eat.)
• Adjective (Sound):
  • Tiếng cười của trẻ con nghe thật giòn. (The children's laughter sounds very clear and bright.)
• Adjective (Charming):
  • Cô ấy trông thật giòn trong bộ váy mới. (She looks truly charming in her new dress.)

Advanced Usage

• The word can be used metaphorically to describe style or performance. For example, a "giòn" delivery of a speech implies it is sharp, confident, and impactful.
• In comparative structures: (as crispy/brittle as). (The french fries are as crispy as rice crackers.)

Variants and Related Words

• Giòn tan (adj/phrase): Extremely crispy or brittle; often used for food or to describe something that shatters completely.
  • Bánh phồng tôm giòn tan. (The shrimp crackers are delightfully crispy and melt-in-your-mouth.)
• Giòn giã (adj): Emphasizes a satisfying, repeated crunchy or sharp sound, often for food or laughter.
  • Tiếng cười giòn giã. (Peals of ringing laughter.)

Synonyms

• Brittle/Fragile: fragile, breakable, delicate.
• Crispy: crunchy, crisp, crackly.
• Clear (sound): sharp, ringing, resonant, bright.
• Charming: lovely, delightful, sweet.

Related Idioms

• Giòn như pháo: As loud and sharp as firecrackers. Used to describe a very sharp, explosive sound or a very crispy texture.
  • Bánh tráng nướng giòn như pháo. (The grilled rice paper is as crispy as firecrackers.)
• Nói giòn: To speak in a clear, confident, and decisive manner.
  • Cô phát thanh viên nói rất giòn. (The announcer speaks very clearly and authoritatively.)

adj

1. brittle; fragide; crispy
   • giòn như thủy tinh
     As brittle as glass