nham nham

Một hòn đá nham nham nằm trên bãi biển.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Uneven, rough, not smooth: Describes a surface that is not level or polished, having an irregular texture with many small bumps, grooves, or marks.
   • Patchy, irregular, not uniform: Can describe something that is inconsistent or blotchy in appearance, such as an uneven haircut or an inconsistently applied finish.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Mặt bàn này bào nham nham. (This tabletop is planed unevenly.)
  • Thợ cắt tóc mới để lại mái tóc nham nham. (The barber left the hair patchy.)
  • Tấm ván nham nham cần được chà nhám lại. (The rough plank needs to be sanded again.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe the tactile or visual quality of a surface. It often implies a negative or undesirable state, suggesting the surface is unfinished, poorly made, or worn.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhám (adj): gritty, abrasive, coarse (like sandpaper). This is a related root word describing a rough texture.
• Gồ ghề (adj): rugged, bumpy (often for larger irregularities like a road or terrain).
• Xù xì (adj): rough, coarse (often for skin or bark).

Synonyms

• Rough: having an uneven or irregular surface.
• Uneven: not level or smooth.
• Patchy: occurring in uneven patches; not uniform.

Related Idioms

• While "nham nham" itself is not commonly used in idioms, its sense is captured in descriptive phrases about poor quality or finish, e.g., (to do work in a sloppy, uneven manner).