phiết
Definition
- 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.