Definition

Adjective: - Very strong, pungent, overpowering: Used to describe a smell or odor that is extremely intense, sharp, and often unpleasant, filling the air and being very noticeable.

Usage

• Describing an intense smell: "Nồng nặc" is primarily used to describe smells, especially unpleasant ones like smoke, burnt food, or strong chemicals. It emphasizes the strength and pervasiveness of the odor.
  • Mùi thuốc lá trong phòng rất nồng nặc. (The smell of cigarette smoke in the room is very strong/overpowering.)
  • Không khí nồng nặc mùi khét. (The air is pungent with the smell of something burning.)

Advanced Usage

• Figurative use for atmosphere: While less common, "nồng nặc" can be used figuratively to describe a thick, palpable, and oppressive atmosphere, often one filled with tension or a particular emotion.
  • Bầu không khí nồng nặc sự giận dữ. (The atmosphere was thick with anger.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nồng (adj): Strong, pungent (can describe smells, flavors, or feelings like passion). Less intense than "nồng nặc".
  • Mùi nước hoa nồng. (The perfume has a strong scent.)
• Hăng (adj): Acrid, pungent, sharp (often for smells or tastes).
  • Mùi hăng của thuốc súng. (The acrid smell of gunpowder.)

Synonyms

• Hôi nồng: Strongly stinking.
• Xộc vào mũi: (Phrase) To assail the nostrils.
• Pungent: Having a sharply strong taste or smell.
• Overpowering: So strong as to be overwhelming.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Nồng nặc mùi: This is the most common collocation, meaning "pungent with the smell of...".
  • Căn bếp nồng nặc mùi dầu mỡ. (The kitchen is pungent with the smell of grease.)

1. Very strong
   • Mùi hôi nồng nặc
     A very strong smell