Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Fat, obese, pot-bellied: Describes a state of being very fat, often with a large, protruding belly that sags or hangs down. It emphasizes a round, swollen, and heavy appearance, typically due to excess body fat.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông ấy trông rất phệ sau kỳ nghỉ. (He looks very pot-bellied after the holiday.)
  • Con mèo nhà tôi bị béo phệ. (My cat has become obese.)
  • Anh ta có cái bụng phệ. (He has a fat belly.)

Advanced Usage

• "phề phệ": This is a reduplicated form (a common feature in Vietnamese) that intensifies the meaning, emphasizing an even larger, more swollen, or more heavily sagging appearance. It often carries a slightly more informal or descriptive tone.
  • Ông cụ ngồi phề phệ trên ghế. (The old man sat heavily, with his large belly, on the chair.)

Variants and Related Words

• Béo phệ (adj): A common compound meaning "fat and flabby" or "obese." (Note: This is listed as a related compound, not the core target word 'phệ').
• Phệt (adj): A variant spelling with the same meaning.

Synonyms

• Béo: fat, chubby (a more general and common term).
• Mập: plump, stout (can be less harsh than 'phệ').
• Béo ú: very fat, chubby (emphasizes roundness).
• Béo bụng: pot-bellied (more descriptive).

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Connotation: The word 'phệ' is quite direct and visual, often used informally. It can be neutral, descriptive, or slightly humorous, but may be considered impolite if used directly to describe a person.
• Typical Contexts: It is frequently used to describe a protruding belly (bụng phệ) or an overall obese body shape. The reduplicated form 'phề phệ' is often used to describe the manner of sitting or moving with a heavy, large body.

adj

1. fat, obese, pot-bellied