Definition

1. Verb:

   • To smooth (mortar/plaster): The primary meaning refers to the action of applying and smoothing mortar or plaster onto a surface, typically a wall, using a specific tool to create an even finish.
   • To be concerned about, to mind (used in negative constructions): This meaning indicates a sense of reluctance or hesitation due to difficulty or inconvenience. It is almost exclusively used in negative phrases to show a lack of such concern.

2. Noun:

   • Float (tool): A flat, smooth tool, traditionally made of wood, used by masons to apply and smooth plaster or mortar onto walls.

3. Adjective:

   • Swollen, edematous: This is an archaic or literary usage, equivalent to the modern word "phù," meaning swollen due to fluid accumulation.

Usage Examples

• Verb (To smooth):

  • Thợ xây đang nề mặt tường. (The mason is smoothing the wall surface.)
  • Dùng nề xoa nhẵn mặt tường. (To smooth the wall surface even with a float.)

• Verb (To mind, in negative constructions):

  • Anh ấy không nề hà bất cứ việc gì. (He does not mind any task.)
  • Cô ấy giúp đỡ mọi người không nề khó khăn. (She helps people without regard for difficulties.)

• Noun (Tool):

  • Anh ấy cầm cái nề để trát vữa. (He holds the float to apply the mortar.)

• Adjective (Swollen):

  • Chân tay nề vì phù. (Limbs are swollen due to edema.) (Note: "phù" is more common in modern usage.)

Advanced Usage

• "Không nề hà": This is a fixed phrase meaning "not to mind," "not to hesitate," or "to be undeterred by." It emphasizes willingness and disregard for hardship.

  • Ông ấy làm việc không nề hà sớm khuya. (He works uncomplainingly early and late.)

• "Nề nếp": While this is a compound word, it is a very common term related to the concept of discipline and order arising from habitual practice. It is listed here due to its high frequency and potential connection in learners' minds.

  • Giữ gìn nề nếp gia đình. (To maintain family discipline/traditions.)

Variants and Related Words

• Thợ nề (n): Bricklayer, mason. This compound noun refers to the construction worker who does plastering and bricklaying.
• Nề nếp (n): Order, discipline, tradition (as established by regular practice).
• Phù (adj): The more common modern word for "swollen, edematous."

Synonyms

• Xoa, làm nhẵn (v): To smooth, to polish (for the "smoothing" meaning).
• Ngại, quản ngại (v): To hesitate, to mind (for the "to mind" meaning, though these are used in broader contexts).
• Cái bay (n): Trowel (a related masonry tool, but not identical to a float).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Nề mặt: This can literally mean "to smooth a surface." Figuratively, it is rarely used.
  • Công việc của thợ hồ là nề mặt tường cho phẳng. (The plasterer's job is to finish the surface of the wall smoothly.)

Related Idioms

• Không nề gian khó: Not fearing hardships and difficulties. A common idiom praising perseverance.
  • Các chiến sĩ chiến đấu không nề gian khó. (The soldiers fought undaunted by hardships.)

1. Smooth (mortar)
2. Float
   • Dùng nề xoa nhẵn mặt tường
     To smooth even the surface of a wall with a float
   • như phù