Definition

1. Adjective (Tính từ):
   • Slightly sticky, somewhat greasy: Describes a state of being a little sticky, greasy, or oily to the touch, often in an unpleasant way. This is a reduplicative form (láy) of "nhầy," which intensifies or softens the quality of stickiness.
   • Slimy, viscous: Can describe something with a slightly slimy or viscous texture.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tay anh ấy nhầy nhầy vì dầu mỡ. (His hands are greasy from the oil.)
  • Mặt đường nhầy nhầy sau cơn mưa. (The road surface is slippery/slimy after the rain.)
  • Chất lỏng đó đặc lại, nhầy nhầy rất khó chịu. (That liquid has thickened, becoming unpleasantly sticky.)

Advanced Usage

• "nhầy nhầy nhớt nhớt": A common four-syllable idiom describing something as very sticky, greasy, and unpleasant.
  • Sàn bếp nhầy nhầy nhớt nhớt cần được lau ngay. (The kitchen floor is all greasy and grimy and needs to be wiped immediately.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhầy (adj): Sticky, greasy, viscous. The root word.
  • Vết nhựa cây rất nhầy. (The sap stain is very sticky.)
• Nhớt (adj): Greasy, oily, slick. Often used interchangeably with "nhầy" but can emphasize oiliness.
  • Động cơ bị rỉ nhớt. (The engine is leaking oil.)
• Nhầy nhụa (adj): Covered in a sticky or greasy substance. Implies a more severe state than "nhầy nhầy."
  • Đứa trẻ nhầy nhụa kem và chocolate. (The child is smeared all over with cream and chocolate.)

Synonyms

• Dính (adj): Sticky, adhesive. Focuses more on the adhesive property rather than greasiness.
• Trơn (adj): Slippery, smooth. Can describe a similar tactile sensation but from lack of friction, not necessarily from grease.
• Bóng nhẫy (adj): Greasy and shiny. Emphasizes the shiny appearance from grease.

Notes on Usage

• "Nhầy nhầy" is a colloquial, descriptive word often used in spoken Vietnamese. It carries a negative connotation, describing a texture that is generally unpleasant.
• It is a reduplicative word (từ láy). The repetition softens the meaning of "nhầy," often indicating a moderate degree rather than an extreme one. However, in context, it can still express distaste.
• It is primarily used to describe physical textures and sensations, not abstract concepts.

1. xem nhầy (láy)