xanh lè
Definition
- Adjective:
- Very green / intensely green: Describes a color that is a strong, vivid, or sometimes unnatural shade of green. It often implies a green that is overly bright, lurid, or unpleasantly intense.
- Greenish / pale green: Can also describe a sickly, pale, or wan green color, such as the complexion of someone who is nauseated or frightened.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Lá cây mới nhú có màu xanh lè. (The newly sprouted leaves are a very bright green.)
- Mặt anh ta tái xanh lè vì sợ hãi. (His face turned a sickly greenish pale from fear.)
- Chiếc áo khoác màu xanh lè đó quá chói mắt. (That intensely green jacket is too glaring.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "xanh lè" often carries a subjective, slightly negative connotation, suggesting the green is excessive, artificial, or associated with something unwell, rather than a naturally pleasing green.
Variants and Related Words
- Xanh (adj): green. The neutral, base term for the color green.
- Xanh biếc / xanh thẳm (adj): deep blue-green or azure (often for sky or sea).
- Xanh rì (adj): luxuriantly green, describing dense foliage.
- Xanh mét (adj): ashen green, specifically for a pale, sickly complexion.
Synonyms
- Vivid green: intensely bright green.
- Lurid green: unnaturally bright or glowing green.
- Sickly green: a pale, greenish color suggesting illness.
Related Idioms
- Mặt xanh lè: an idiom describing a face that has turned pale with a greenish tint due to extreme fear, shock, or nausea.
- Nghe tin dữ, mặt cô ấy xanh lè. (Upon hearing the bad news, her face turned ashen green.)