mát ruột
Definition
- Adjective (figurative):
- Refreshed / Cooled (internally): A pleasant physical sensation of internal coolness or refreshment, often after consuming something cool or relieving thirst or heat.
- Satisfied / Contented (emotionally): A feeling of emotional relief, contentment, or satisfaction, as if a worry or irritation has been soothed.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Uống nước dừa này thật mát ruột. (Drinking this coconut water is very refreshing.)
- Nghe lời xin lỗi của con, bà mát ruột hẳn. (Hearing her child's apology, she felt completely satisfied.)
- Câu trả lời rõ ràng của anh ấy làm tôi mát ruột. (His clear answer put my mind at ease.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is inherently idiomatic. It directly translates to "cool intestines," reflecting the Vietnamese concept of internal organs being the seat of certain emotions.
- It is often used to describe a dual physical and emotional state of relief.
Variants and Related Words
- Mát lòng (adj): Similar meaning, focusing more on emotional satisfaction ("cool heart"). Often used interchangeably with .
- Sự giúp đỡ của bạn làm tôi mát lòng. (Your help was very comforting.)
Synonyms
- Refreshing (for physical sensation).
- Satisfying / Contenting (for emotional state).
- Soothing.
Related Idioms
Mát mặt: Literally "cool face," meaning to feel proud or to gain prestige.
- Con thi đỗ làm bố mẹ mát mặt. (Their child passing the exam made the parents proud.)
Nóng ruột: The opposite idiom, meaning "hot intestines," to feel anxious, impatient, or worried.
- Chờ kết quả mà nóng ruột quá. (Waiting for the results makes me so anxious.)