Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Strong-smelling, fetid, pungent: Describes something that emits a powerful, often unpleasant odor that is easily noticeable from a distance. It implies an intensity of smell, which can be bad (like something rotten) or simply very potent (like a strong spice).

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cái thùng rác này đã nặng mùi. (This trash can is strong-smelling / fetid.)
  • Mắm tôm là một loại gia vị nặng mùi. (Shrimp paste is a pungent condiment.)
  • Căn phòng nặng mùi thuốc lá. (The room reeks of cigarette smoke.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used metaphorically to suggest something is suspicious or has a strong negative implication.
  • Vụ làm ăn đó nặng mùi lừa đảo. (That business deal smells strongly of fraud.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hôi (adj): Specifically means stinky, foul-smelling. It is often stronger and more negative than "nặng mùi."

  • Thịt hỏng rất hôi. (Spoiled meat is very foul-smelling.)

• Thơm (adj): Fragrant, sweet-smelling. This is the common antonym.

  • Hoa nhài rất thơm. (Jasmine flowers are very fragrant.)

Synonyms

• Pungent: Having a sharply strong taste or smell.
• Rank: Having a strong, unpleasant smell.
• Fetid: Smelling extremely unpleasant.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Nặng mùi xã hội đen: To smell strongly of the underworld; to have clear signs of criminal involvement.
  • Nhóm người đó ăn mặc và nói chuyện nặng mùi xã hội đen. (That group dresses and talks in a way that smells strongly of the criminal underworld.)

adj

1. strong, fetid