nêm

/nem˧ˀ˦˧˦/

verb★Intermediate

informal

to add seasoning or flavor to food, especially by adding salt, sugar, or other condiments

Anh nêm muối vào món ăn này.

He adds salt to this dish.

Nêm thêm một chút đường vào cà phê.

Add a little more sugar to the coffee.

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Often used with specific seasonings like 'muối' (salt), 'đường' (sugar), or 'nước mắm' (fish sauce).

informal

to adjust or modify something to improve it

Chúng ta cần nêm thêm một chút màu vào bức tranh.

We need to add a bit more color to the painting.

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Can be used metaphorically to describe making small improvements.

nêm muốito add saltnêm đườngto add sugarnêm nước mắmto add fish sauce

nêm nếmphrase

to taste or sample

When using 'nêm' in cooking, specify the seasoning (e.g., 'nêm muối' for salt).

Always pair 'nêm' with the specific seasoning or ingredient being added.

Derived from the root 'nêm' meaning to add or adjust, likely related to the action of seasoning food.

Commonly used in cooking contexts but can also be used metaphorically for making small adjustments.

nêm

to add or adjust

root

✎ Noted on May 2, 2026VI → EN