Definition

1. Verb:
   • To dye a color / to color: The primary meaning of "nhuộm màu" is the physical act of applying dye or pigment to an object to change its color.
   • To tinge / to imbue with a color (figurative): Used metaphorically to describe how a quality, emotion, or characteristic strongly influences or permeates something, giving it a particular "hue" or character.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy nhuộm màu chiếc váy thành xanh lam. (She dyed the dress blue.)
  • Ký ức tuổi thơ nhuộm màu toàn bộ tác phẩm của ông ấy. (Childhood memories tinge his entire body of work.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can describe a subtle or pervasive influence, not just a strong, single-color dyeing. It often implies the resulting color or quality is a blend or overlay.
  • Bầu không khí chính trị đã nhuộm màu cuộc thảo luận. (The political atmosphere colored the discussion.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhuộm (v): to dye. This is the root verb, with "màu" specifying the application of a color.

  • Nhuộm tóc (to dye hair).

• Nhuốm màu (v): a less common variant with the same figurative meaning of "to become tinged or imbued with."

  • Câu chuyện nhuốm màu bi kịch. (The story became tinged with tragedy.)

Synonyms

• To color: to give a color to.
• To tint: to color slightly.
• To imbue: to inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality (figurative).

Related Idioms

• Nhuộm màu thần bí: to be tinged with mystery.
  • Truyền thuyết đó được nhuộm màu thần bí. (That legend is tinged with mystery.)