vã
Definition
Verb:
- To sprinkle or splash (a liquid): To scatter or throw small amounts of a liquid, often water, onto a surface or person.
- To be drenched or dripping (with sweat): To be covered or flowing with sweat, often due to heat or exertion.
- To pat or dab gently: To lightly touch or apply something, like a damp cloth, to a surface (e.g., the forehead).
Adjective:
- Trivial or idle: Describing conversation or talk that is unimportant, frivolous, or without serious purpose.
- Eaten alone (without rice): Describing the act of eating side dishes or accompaniments by themselves, not with the main staple of rice.
Usage Examples
Verb:
- Cô ấy vã nước lạnh lên mặt. (She splashes cold water on her face.)
- Anh ấy làm việc nặng đến vã mồ hôi. (He worked so hard he was dripping with sweat.)
- Mẹ vã khăn ướt lên trán con. (The mother patted the damp cloth on her child's forehead.)
Adjective:
- Họ ngồi nói chuyện vã cả buổi chiều. (They sat and made idle talk all afternoon.)
- Bữa trưa nay tôi chỉ ăn vã thịt nguội. (For lunch today, I just ate cold cuts by themselves [without rice].)
Advanced Usage
- "vã" as a rare/adverbial form for "on foot": This usage is now archaic or literary.
- Ông cụ đi vã cả quãng đường dài. (The old man went the entire long distance on foot.)
Variants and Related Words
- Vã mồ hôi (verb phrase): to be sweating profusely.
- Nói vã (verb phrase): to engage in idle chatter.
- Ăn vã (verb phrase): to eat side dishes without rice.
Synonyms
- Sprinkle: to scatter small drops.
- Drenched: soaked thoroughly.
- Trivial: of little importance.
- Idle: without purpose or substance.
Related Idioms
- Vã bọt mép: Literally "to sprinkle foam from the mouth," meaning to talk until one is exhausted or hoarse, often in argument or persuasion.
- Anh ấy giải thích vã bọt mép nhưng không ai nghe. (He explained until he was hoarse, but no one listened.)