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ngọt
/ŋɔt˧˥/
sweet
Cái bánh này ngọt quá!
This cake is too sweet!
general
Having a taste like sugar; not bitter, salty, or sour.
Món chè này rất ngọt.
This sweet dessert is very sweet.
Tôi thích trà không đường vì nó không ngọt.
I like unsweetened tea because it’s not sweet.
Commonly used for food and drinks. Can also describe pleasant sounds or voices.
literary
Pleasant or kind in a way that feels gentle and affectionate.
Lời nói ngọt ngào của cô ấy làm mọi người cảm động.
Her sweet words moved everyone.
Often paired with 'ngào' (ngọt ngào) for emphasis.
Pro Tip
Avoid over-sweetening
In Vietnamese cuisine, 'ngọt' can be balanced with other flavors like 'chua' (sour) or 'mặn' (salty). Adjust sugar levels carefully to avoid dominating the dish.
Word Origin
From Proto-Vietic *ŋɔːt, related to Proto-Mon-Khmer *ŋɔːt. Cognate with Muong *ngot and possibly with Proto-Tai *naːtᴬ (sweet).
Usage Notes
In Northern Vietnam, 'ngọt' primarily refers to taste, while in Southern Vietnam, it can also describe pleasant voices or sounds. The word is often used in culinary contexts.
Từ Điển Việt Anh