Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Slightly bland, faint, pale, or mild: Describes something that lacks strong flavor, intensity, vividness, or distinctness. It often implies a degree of blandness or weakness that is noticeable but not extreme.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Màu áo này nhàn nhạt quá, tôi thích màu đậm hơn. (The color of this shirt is too pale; I prefer a darker one.)
  • Canh hơi nhàn nhạt, có lẽ cần thêm chút muối. (The soup is a bit bland; perhaps it needs a little more salt.)
  • Ánh nắng cuối ngày chiếu xuống nhàn nhạt. (The late afternoon sunlight shone faintly.)

Advanced Usage

• Describing abstract qualities: Can be used metaphorically to describe emotions, relationships, or impressions that are weak, lukewarm, or lacking depth.
  • Mối quan hệ của họ chỉ nhàn nhạt, không thân thiết lắm. (Their relationship is just lukewarm, not very close.)
  • Cô ấy đáp lại bằng một nụ cười nhàn nhạt. (She responded with a faint smile.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhạt (adj): The root word meaning bland, tasteless, pale, or faint. "Nhàn nhạt" is a reduplicative form (từ láy) of "nhạt," often adding a sense of being "somewhat" or "slightly" bland/faint.
• Lạt nhạt (adj): A similar reduplicative form also meaning somewhat bland or faint.
• Nhạt nhẽo (adj): Bland, insipid; often with a more negative connotation of being boring or uninteresting.

Synonyms

• Lờ mờ: Dim, faint, vague.
• Nhẹ: Light, mild (in flavor).
• Xanh xao: Pale, pallid (usually for complexion).
• Mờ nhạt: Faint, pale, indistinct.

Notes on Meaning

• The word nhàn nhạt is a reduplicative (từ láy) derived from nhạt. Its primary function is to soften the meaning of "nhạt," indicating a lesser degree. It does not typically mean "completely tasteless" but rather "somewhat lacking in flavor/color/intensity."
• It is commonly used to describe food, colors, light, and sometimes feelings or impressions.

1. xem nhạt (láy)