Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Oppressively hot, sweltering, sultry: Describes weather or an atmosphere that is extremely hot, humid, and uncomfortable, causing a feeling of being stifled or suffocated.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Trời hôm nay thật nòng nực. (The weather today is oppressively hot.)
  • Căn phòng nhỏ không có cửa sổ trở nên nòng nực vào buổi trưa. (The small room without windows becomes sweltering at noon.)
  • Không khí nòng nực trước cơn giông thật khó chịu. (The sultry air before the storm is very unpleasant.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe a stifling atmosphere: Can extend beyond physical heat to metaphorically describe a tense, oppressive, or uncomfortable situation, though this is less common.
  • Bầu không khí trong cuộc họp thật nòng nực vì những tranh cãi. (The atmosphere in the meeting was stifling because of the arguments.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nóng bức (adj): Hot and uncomfortable. A very common synonym.
• Oi bức (adj): Hot, humid, and stifling; often interchangeable with "nòng nực."
• Ngột ngạt (adj): Stifling, suffocating; can refer to heat or a lack of air/oxygen.

Synonyms

• Oi ả: Sultry, close (weather).
• Hầm hập: Very hot and steaming (often used for weather or food).
• Bức bối: Hot and uncomfortable, also used for a feeling of restlessness or irritation.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Nóng như lửa đốt: As hot as burning fire (emphasizing intense heat).
• Trời nóng như thiêu như đốt: The weather is scorching hot.

1. Oppressively hot