mặn

/mǎn/
adjectiveIntermediate salty
informal

Having a strong salty taste, often to the point of being unpleasant.

Nước mắm mặn quá, không thể dùng được.

The fish sauce is too salty and can't be used.

💡

Often used to describe food that has been over-seasoned with salt or salty condiments.

informal

Figuratively, describing something as harsh, bitter, or unpleasant.

Câu trả lời của anh ấy nghe rất mặn.

His answer sounded very bitter.

💡

Used metaphorically to describe words or actions that are sharp, cutting, or emotionally harsh.

Related Phrases

mặn mòphrase
salty and bland

💡Pro Tip

Cuisine Context

In Vietnamese cooking, 'mặn' is often used to describe dishes that need balancing with other flavors like sweet, sour, or spicy.

Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative Use

While 'mặn' primarily describes taste, it can also describe emotional tone in informal speech.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the basic taste sensation of saltiness, commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine and everyday language.

📝Usage Notes

The word 'mặn' is primarily used to describe food that is overly salty. In informal contexts, it can also describe something as harsh or unpleasant in a metaphorical sense.

Từ Điển Việt Anh