trèm

Một miếng bánh mì bị trèm ở mép.

Definition

1. Verb (dialectal):
   • To lick (of flames): To describe the action of flames lightly touching or flickering over a surface, as if licking it.
   • To singe / to scorch lightly: To burn something slightly on the surface.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Ngọn lửa trèm qua mặt bàn. (The flame licked across the tabletop.)
  • Bánh mì bị trèm một chút ở mép. (The bread was slightly singed at the edge.)

Advanced Usage

• This word is primarily used in regional dialects and may sound colloquial or archaic to speakers of Standard Vietnamese.

Variants and Related Words

• Cháy sém (v): to be scorched or charred. This is a more common standard term for a similar, though often more severe, result.
  • Thịt nướng bị cháy sém. (The grilled meat was charred.)

Synonyms

• To lick: (of flames) to touch lightly.
• To singe: to burn superficially.

Notes on Usage

• "Trèm" is a dialectal word. In most standard contexts, phrases like "bị lửa liếm qua" (to be licked by fire) or "bị sém" (to be singed) are more commonly used to express the same ideas.