Definition

Adjective: - Having a dominant, pale, or excessive white appearance: Used primarily to describe eyes where the sclera (the white part) is unusually prominent, large, or pale, creating a distinct and often striking visual impression. - Suggesting negative character traits: By metaphorical extension, describing eyes with this appearance can imply that the person is treacherous, cruel, or untrustworthy.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đôi mắt trắng dã của hắn nhìn thẳng khiến người khác sợ hãi. (His pale, white-dominant eyes stared straight ahead, frightening others.)
  • Người ta thường nói những kẻ có mắt trắng dã thì lòng dạ khó lường. (People often say those with eyes of excessive whiteness have inscrutable hearts.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is almost exclusively used in descriptive literature or figurative language to create a vivid, often negative, portrait of a character's eyes and, by implication, their nature. It is not a common term in everyday modern speech.

Word Origin and Notes

• The term combines "trắng" (white) and "dã" (an archaic/adjectival suffix suggesting a raw, stark, or excessive quality). Its usage is deeply rooted in physiognomy, the practice of assessing character from facial features.

Synonyms

• Pale-eyed: Having eyes with a light or pallid appearance.
• Cold-eyed: Having eyes that appear lacking in warmth or empathy (closer in metaphorical meaning).

Related Idioms and Expressions

• Mắt trắng dã: This is the standard and primary collocation. The phrase itself can function as an idiomatic descriptor for a treacherous or fearsome look.
  • Ánh mắt trắng dã ấy ám ảnh tôi. (That pale, white-dominant gaze haunts me.)

adj

1. white pale