The Vietnamese word "sạm" is an adjective that generally means "browned," "burnt," or "tawny." It is often used to describe something that has changed color, typically due to exposure to heat or sunlight.
Tôi bị sạm nắng sau khi đi biển cả ngày.
(I got sunburnt after being at the beach all day.)
Miếng thịt này đã sạm lại vì nướng quá lâu.
(This piece of meat has browned because it was grilled for too long.)
In more advanced contexts, "sạm" can also describe other conditions where something has changed or deteriorated due to external factors, such as aging or environmental exposure. For example, a painting may become "sạm" over time due to fading or discoloration.
While "sạm" primarily refers to color changes due to burning or exposure, it can also imply a lack of vitality or freshness, especially when describing skin or food.