xức

Cô ấy xức một chút nước hoa trước khi ra ngoài.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To apply (a liquid or semi-liquid substance) to the skin: The primary meaning of "xức" is to rub, dab, or spread a substance like perfume, oil, ointment, or lotion onto the body.
   • To anoint: It can imply a ceremonial or medicinal application of a substance.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy xức nước hoa trước khi đi làm. (She applies perfume before going to work.)
  • Bác sĩ bảo tôi xức thuốc vào vết thương. (The doctor told me to apply ointment to the wound.)
  • Anh ấy xức dầu gió lên thái dương. (He rubs menthol oil onto his temples.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb "xức" is often used for substances with a strong scent or medicinal purpose. It is less commonly used for neutral substances like sunscreen or moisturizer, where "bôi" or "thoa" might be more typical.
• It can be used reflexively, as in "tự xức" (to apply to oneself).

Variants and Related Words

• Xức dầu (v): to anoint with oil.
  • Linh mục xức dầu cho người bệnh. (The priest anoints the sick person with oil.)

Synonyms

• Apply: to put a substance onto a surface.
• Rub: to apply with pressure.
• Anoint: to apply oil, often in a ritual.

Related Idioms

• Xức nước hoa cho cóc: Literally "to apply perfume to a toad"; a sarcastic idiom meaning to try to beautify or improve something inherently ugly or unrefined, often a futile effort.
  • Mua quần áo đẹp cho cái xe cũ ấy chẳng khác nào xức nước hoa cho cóc. (Buying nice clothes for that old car is like putting perfume on a toad.)