Definition

1. Onomatopoeia / Adverb:
   • To crackle, to sizzle: A word that imitates the light, rapid, and repeated crackling or sputtering sound, typically produced by something burning, frying, or sparking.
   • To patter, to pitter-patter: Can describe a light, rapid, and soft tapping sound, like light rain or small footsteps.

Usage Examples

• Onomatopoeia / Adverb:
  • Củi khô cháy lét đét trong lò. (The dry firewood crackles in the stove.)
  • Mỡ rán trong chảo nghe lét đét. (The frying fat in the pan sizzles.)
  • Mưa rơi lét đét trên mái tôn. (The rain patters on the corrugated iron roof.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is primarily used as a sound-imitative adverb (từ tượng thanh) and is often reduplicated. It vividly evokes a specific auditory sensation.

Variants and Related Words

• Lách tách (onomatopoeia): describes a similar but often slightly sharper or louder crackling sound.
• Rào rào (onomatopoeia): describes a louder, more continuous rushing or pouring sound, like heavy rain or a waterfall.

Synonyms

• Crackle: to make a series of short, sharp sounds.
• Sizzle: to make a hissing sound, as of something frying.
• Patter: to make a quick, succession of light tapping sounds.

Related Idioms

• While "lét đét" itself is not commonly the core of idioms, it is used descriptively within phrases to create vivid sound imagery.