Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Fragrant, sweet-smelling, aromatic: Having a pleasant and agreeable smell, often naturally, like flowers, fruits, or food.
   • Honorable, of good repute: Having a good name or reputation; praiseworthy (used figuratively, often in literary or formal contexts).

2. Noun:

   • Pineapple: A tropical fruit with a rough, segmented skin and sweet, yellow flesh. (This is a common regional term, especially in Southern Vietnam).

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Hoa hồng này rất thơm. (This rose is very fragrant.)
  • Cơm mẹ nấu lúc nào cũng thơm. (The rice mother cooks always smells delicious.)
  • Ông ấy để lại tiếng thơm cho con cháu. (He left a good name for his descendants.)

• Noun:

  • Em thích uống nước ép thơm. (I like to drink pineapple juice.)
  • Mua giúp tôi một quả thơm. (Please buy me a pineapple.)

Advanced Usage

• The adjective "thơm" is often used in compound words to describe specific pleasant smells.
  • "thơm ngát" / "thơm nức": intensely fragrant, wonderfully aromatic.

    • Vườn hoa thơm ngát. (The flower garden is intensely fragrant.)
  • "thơm phức": describes a warm, enticing smell, typically of freshly cooked food.

    • Bánh mì mới ra lò thơm phức. (The freshly baked bread smells wonderfully enticing.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rau thơm (n): Aromatic herbs; a general term for fresh herbs used as garnishes and condiments in Vietnamese cuisine, such as cilantro, mint, and perilla.
  • Bát phở cần nhiều rau thơm. (A bowl of pho needs lots of aromatic herbs.)
• Hôn / thơm (v): To kiss. "Thơm" is a gentler, more affectionate, or child-oriented synonym for "hôn" (to kiss).
  • Đứa bé thơm lên má bà. (The child kissed her grandmother's cheek.)

Synonyms

• Adjective: Fragrant, aromatic, sweet-smelling, perfumed, savory (for food), honorable, reputable.
• Noun: Pineapple, ananas.

Related Idioms

• Danh thơm tiếng tốt: To have a spotless reputation; to be widely known and respected for good qualities.
  • Cụ già làng đó có danh thơm tiếng tốt. (That village elder has a spotless reputation.)
• Thơm lây: To benefit from or bask in the reflected glory or good reputation of someone else (often used humorously or modestly).
  • Con cái thành đạt, cha mẹ cũng thơm lây. (When children are successful, their parents share in the honor.)

adj

1. fragrant, sweet-smelling

noun

1. pineapple