tanh đồng
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a metallic/coppery smell or taste: Describes a specific, unpleasant smell or taste reminiscent of copper or brass, often perceived in water, food, or the air in certain environments.
- Copper rust/verdigris: Refers to the greenish-blue patina that forms on copper or brass surfaces due to oxidation and moisture.
Usage Examples
Adjective (smell/taste):
- Nước giếng ở đây hơi tanh đồng. (The well water here has a slight coppery/metallic taste.)
- Món cá này nấu lâu quá, ăn thấy tanh đồng. (This fish dish was cooked too long; it has a metallic taste.)
Noun (substance):
- Các bản khắc bằng đồng cũ thường bị phủ một lớp tanh đồng. (Old bronze plaques are often covered with a layer of verdigris.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used to describe sensory experiences (taste, smell) linked to the presence of dissolved copper or other metals, particularly in water sources or overcooked food, especially seafood.
Variants and Related Words
Tanh (adj): fishy; having a fishy or generally unpleasant, pungent smell.
- Cá không tươi sẽ có mùi tanh. (Fish that isn't fresh will have a fishy smell.)
Đồng (n): copper; the metal element (Cu).
Synonyms
- Metallic taste/smell: A taste or smell like that of metal.
- Verdigris: The blue-green coating on copper, brass, or bronze.
Related Idioms
- While "tanh đồng" itself is not commonly used in idioms, the root word "tanh" appears in phrases like "tanh như cá" (as fishy as fish), emphasizing a strong, unpleasant fishy odor.