khét mù
Definition
Adjective: - Strongly burnt, acridly smoky: Describes a pervasive, unpleasant smell of something burning or charred, often with a sense of the odor being intense and spreading widely.
Usage
- Used to describe the strong, unpleasant odor produced when organic matter burns excessively or improperly.
- Often conveys that the smell is not just localized but fills the surrounding area.
- Typically modifies nouns related to smell, fire, or burning objects.
Usage Examples
- (The smell of burning plastic was acrid throughout the room.)
- (He left the meat on the grill too long, so it smelled strongly burnt.)
- (The forest fire made the air reek of acrid smoke.)
Advanced Usage
- Can be used figuratively to describe a situation, reputation, or news that is scandalous or "smells bad" and has become widely known.
- Vụ bê bối đó giờ đã khét mù khắp thành phố. (That scandal is now notorious all over the city.)
Variants and Related Words
- Khét (adj): Burnt, scorched. A more general term for a burnt smell or taste.
- Cơm khét. (Burnt rice.)
- Khói (n): Smoke.
- Mùi khét (n): Burnt smell.
Synonyms
- Bốc mùi khét lẹt: To emit a strong burnt smell. (More descriptive phrase)
- Ám khói: Smoky, permeated with smoke. (Focuses on the smoke itself rather than the smell)
Notes on Meaning
- The word combines "khét" (burnt) and "mù" (smell, odor), emphasizing the sensory impact of the odor.
- It is stronger and more negative than just "khét", implying the smell is overpowering and widespread.