Definition

Adjective: - Very sweet: Describes a taste that is intensely, pleasantly sweet, often to the point of being rich or cloying. It emphasizes a high degree of sweetness. - Very tasty, very delicious: Can be used more broadly to describe food that is extremely delicious and pleasing to the palate, often implying a delightful sweetness is a key component of its flavor.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Món chè này ngọt lịm. (This sweet soup is very sweet.)
  • Quả xoài chín có vị ngọt lịm. (The ripe mango has a very sweet taste.)
  • Giọng nói của cô ấy ngọt lịm. (Her voice is very sweet/honeyed.) (Note: Used metaphorically for a pleasing, gentle voice.)

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: "Ngọt lịm" is often used figuratively to describe something non-food related as being very pleasant, charming, or flattering.
  • Lời khen ngọt lịm. (A very sweet/flattering compliment.)
  • Lời hứa ngọt lịm. (A very sweet-talking/enticing promise.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngọt (adj): Sweet. The root adjective.
• Ngọt ngào (adj): Sweet, sweet-sounding (often for voice or words). Carries a stronger emotional or romantic connotation than "ngọt lịm".
• Ngọt xớt (adj, informal): Cloyingly sweet, overly sweet (can be used for taste or speech, often with a negative nuance).

Synonyms

• Rất ngọt: Very sweet.
• Ngọt đậm: Deeply sweet, richly sweet.
• Thơm ngon: Fragrant and delicious (broader, not exclusively sweet).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Nói ngọt lịm: To speak in a very sweet, flattering, or ingratiating manner.
  • Anh ta nói ngọt lịm để xin lỗi. (He spoke very sweetly to apologize.)
• Cười ngọt lịm: To smile very sweetly/charmingly.
  • Cô bé cười ngọt lịm với khách. (The little girl smiled very sweetly at the guest.)

1. Very sweet
2. Very tasty, very delicious