Definition

1. Verb:
   • To spread / to coat / to daub: To apply a viscous or semi-liquid substance (such as glue, paste, paint, or butter) thinly and evenly onto a surface by using a spreading or smearing motion.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy phiết hồ lên mặt sau của con tem. (She spread glue onto the back of the stamp.)
  • Đầu bếp phiết một lớp bơ mỏng lên bánh mì. (The chef coated a thin layer of butter onto the bread.)
  • Phiết sơn lên tường cần sự cẩn thận. (Daubing paint onto the wall requires care.)

Advanced Usage

• The action often implies using a tool (like a brush, knife, or finger) to press and smooth the substance as it is applied.
• It can describe the initial, foundational step in a process, such as preparing a surface for adhesion or adding a base layer.

Variants and Related Words

• Phết: A common variant spelling and pronunciation of "phiết" with identical meaning.
• Bôi: To smear or slather on; often implies a less careful or thicker application than "phiết".
• Quét: To brush or sweep on (e.g., paint); can cover a larger area more quickly.

Synonyms

• Spread: To distribute over a surface.
• Coat: To cover with a layer.
• Daub: To apply clumsily or roughly.
• Smear: To spread a substance messily.

Related Idioms

• While "phiết" itself is not commonly found in many idioms, the concept is central to phrases about preparation or superficial covering.
• Phiết hồ: Literally "to spread paste/glue"; can colloquially refer to the act of making something stick or preparing the groundwork.