đắng cay

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The Vietnamese word "đắng cay" can be understood in a few different contexts, but it primarily means "bitter" or "sour," both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

Basic Meaning:

• Đắng means "bitter," often used to describe the taste of food (like black coffee or bitter herbs).
• Cay means "spicy" or "hot," which can refer to food that has a strong flavor or heat.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "đắng cay" to describe both flavors and emotional experiences.
• It's often used in phrases or expressions related to life's hardships or struggles.

Examples:

1. Literal usage: "Trà này rất đắng cay." (This tea is very bitter.)
2. Metaphorical usage: "Cuộc sống đôi khi đắng cay." (Life can sometimes be bitter.)

Advanced Usage:

In a more advanced context, "đắng cay" can be used in literature or poetry to convey deep feelings of sadness, disappointment, or the struggles one faces in life. It can symbolize the challenges that lead to personal growth or wisdom.

Word Variants:

• "Đắng" (bitter) can be used alone to describe tastes.
• "Cay" (spicy) can also be used independently, especially when discussing food.

Different Meanings:

While "đắng cay" primarily conveys bitterness, it can also imply a mix of sadness and resignation about life’s challenges. It reflects the idea of having to "swallow a bitter pill," meaning dealing with unpleasant truths or situations.

Synonyms:

• "Đắng" (bitter) could be a synonym if you are focusing solely on the taste aspect.
• "Khó khăn" (difficulties) can relate to the emotional aspect of "đắng cay."

Conclusion:

In summary, "đắng cay" is a versatile word that can describe both unpleasant tastes and the emotional weight of life’s challenges.

Academic

1. như cay đắng
   • Ngậm đắng nuốt cay
     To swallow a bitter pill