Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Steaming hot, very hot: Describes something that is still emitting a lot of heat, often used for freshly cooked food or objects. It emphasizes a pleasant, intense warmth.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cơm mới nấu còn nóng hôi hổi. (The newly cooked rice is still steaming hot.)
  • Anh ấy vừa lấy bánh mì ra khỏi lò, nóng hôi hổi. (He just took the bread out of the oven; it's piping hot.)

Advanced Usage

• "hôi hổi" as a Reduplicative (Láy): This word is a reduplicative form (từ láy) of the root "hổi". In Vietnamese, reduplicatives often intensify the meaning or add a descriptive, sensory quality. "Hôi hổi" vividly conveys the sensation and visible steam of intense heat.
  • Món súp được bưng ra, khói bốc lên hôi hổi. (The soup was brought out, steam rising from it, piping hot.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hổi (root word): Hot, warm. (Note: This root is rarely used alone in modern Vietnamese and primarily appears in its reduplicative form "hôi hổi" or other compounds).
• Nóng: Hot (the standard, general term for heat).
• Nóng hổi: Another common reduplicative meaning "freshly hot," often interchangeable with "hôi hổi" but perhaps slightly less intense.
  • Bát phở nóng hổi. (A bowl of steaming hot pho.)

Synonyms

• Nóng bỏng: Scorching hot, burning hot (can be for objects or metaphorical).
• Nóng ran: Extremely hot (to the touch).
• Bốc khói: Steaming, emitting smoke/steam (describes the action).

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: The core meaning is "very hot," specifically the pleasant, fresh heat of food or drink. It is not typically used for weather ("trời nóng" - the weather is hot) or for spiciness ("đồ ăn cay" - spicy food).
• Sensory Word: "Hôi hổi" is highly sensory, evoking the feeling of heat and often the sight of steam. It carries a positive connotation of freshness and readiness to eat/use.

1. xem hổi (láy)