Definitions

1. Noun:
   • Freckles: Small, light brown spots on the skin, often on the face, caused by exposure to the sun and typically considered a natural skin characteristic. This is the primary and most common meaning.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cô ấy có nhiều tàn hương trên má. (She has many freckles on her cheeks.)
  • Những nốt tàn hương làm khuôn mặt anh trông rất tươi tắn. (The freckles make his face look very lively.)

Advanced Usage

• The word 'tàn hương' is a poetic and somewhat literary term. In everyday conversation, the synonym 'tàn nhang' is more commonly used.
  • Trong thơ ca, "tàn hương" thường được dùng để ví những đốm nắng trên da. (In poetry, "tàn hương" is often used to metaphorically describe sunspots on the skin.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tàn nhang (noun): The standard, more common word for freckles.
  • Tàn nhang của cô ấy rõ hơn vào mùa hè. (Her freckles are more visible in summer.)

Synonyms

• Freckles: The direct English equivalent.
• Sunspots: In a descriptive, non-medical context (though this can also refer to spots on the sun).

Notes on Meaning

• 'Tàn hương' literally translates to "remnants of incense" or "incense ash," which reflects its poetic origin, comparing the small spots to scattered ashes. It carries a neutral or sometimes slightly positive connotation, unlike some terms for skin blemishes.
• It refers specifically to the natural pigmentation of freckles and is not used for other types of skin marks like moles (nốt ruồi) or acne scars (vết thâm mụn).

noun

1. freckles