nhạt
[ɲaːt̚˧˨ʔ]
The English word 'bland' is translated into Vietnamese as nhạt. Wiktionary also lists lạt.
Meaning: lacking in taste or flavor (adj)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| nhạt | [ɲaːt̚˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ɲaːk̚˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
| lạt | [laːt̚˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [laːk̚˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
The primary meaning of nhạt is to describe food or drink that is lacking in taste or flavor. Beyond physical taste, nhạt can be used figuratively to describe a person's personality or a conversation as being boring or uninteresting.
Which one should you use?
The form lạt is also a variation used to express the same concept.
Did you know?
- The word lạt can refer to both a 'bland' taste and 'bamboo strips' used for tying things. These two completely different meanings are represented by the same word.
- While nhạt describes a lack of flavor, it can also describe a color that is 'pale' or 'faded'.
- The phrase nhạt is often used in modern slang to describe someone who tells a joke that fails to get a laugh.
Examples in context
- Quán ăn này đồ ăn rất nhạt nhẽo, cần phải thêm gia vị vào.The food at this restaurant is very bland, it needs more seasoning.
- Thức ăn ở đây quá vô vị, không thể ăn được.The food here is too bland, it's inedible.
- Món canh này hơi nhạt.This soup is a bit bland.
- Nước dùng này nhạt quá.This broth is too bland.
Example conversation
Hương and Nam are eating lunch at home.
- HươngAnh Nam thấy món này thế nào?How do you find this dish, Nam?
- NamNó hơi nhạt một chút.It is a little bit bland.
- HươngĐể em thêm chút muối nhé.Let me add a bit of salt.
- NamCảm ơn em, Hương.Thank you, Huong.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bland” translations and entries nhạt, lạt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lạt, nhạt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
