sền sệt

Definition

Adjective:
- Slightly thick, somewhat viscous: Describes a liquid or semi-liquid substance that has a consistency thicker than water but not completely solid. It implies a state of being somewhat sticky, gooey, or having a certain density that allows it to flow slowly.

Usage Examples

Adjective:
- Cháo nấu sền sệt rất dễ ăn. (The porridge is cooked to a slightly thick consistency, making it easy to eat.)
- Hồ dán này sền sệt, không chảy loãng. (This glue is somewhat viscous and doesn't run thinly.)
- Nước sốt cà chua sền sệt là ngon nhất. (Tomato sauce that is slightly thick is the most delicious.)

Advanced Usage

Used to describe texture in cooking: Often used in culinary contexts to describe the ideal, desirable consistency of soups, sauces, porridges, or pastes.
- Bí quyết là đun nhỏ lửa cho nước sốt sền sệt lại. (The secret is to simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens slightly.)
Used metaphorically for atmosphere or feeling: Can be used figuratively to describe a dense, heavy, or sticky atmosphere.
- Không khí trong phòng sền sệt lại sau cuộc tranh cãi. (The atmosphere in the room became thick/heavy after the argument.)

Variants and Related Words

Sệt (adj): Thick, viscous. This is the root word. "Sền sệt" is a reduplicative form (từ láy) of "sệt," which softens the meaning to "slightly" or "somewhat" thick.
- Hồ sệt quá, không dùng được. (The paste is too thick to use.)
Đặc (adj): Thick, dense, concentrated. A stronger synonym.
Lỏng (adj): Thin, liquid. An antonym.

Synonyms

Notes on Usage

"Sền sệt" is a reduplicative word (từ láy): Its primary function is to describe a moderate degree of the quality "sệt" (thick). It is more expressive and colloquial than simply saying "hơi sệt" (slightly thick).
Common Contexts: Most frequently used when talking about food, cooking, and textures of mixtures. Its metaphorical use is less common but understood.
Not for Solids: It is not used to describe solid objects, only substances that can flow or be poured.