tởm
[təːm˧˩]
The English word "disgusting" can be translated into Vietnamese using tởm, gớm or ghê.
Meaning: repulsive, distasteful (adj)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| tởm | [təːm˧˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [təːm˧˨] (Huế, narrow) |
| gớm | [ɣəːm˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ɣəːm˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
| ghê | [ɣe˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ɣej˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
The terms are used to describe things that are repulsive or distasteful. For a much stronger and more formal-sounding expression of absolute disgust, you can use the combined form kinh tởm.
Which one should you use?
tởm is the strongest and most intense form, often used for things that are physically revolting or morally repulsive. gớm is a more colloquial and slightly less intense option, often used for things that are gross or unpleasant to look at or eat. ghê is a versatile term that can mean disgusting, but it also carries a strong connotation of being scary or creepy.
How does it change in a sentence?
To emphasize the disgust, you can add the word quá after the adjective, as in tởm quá (so disgusting).
Did you know?
- While ghê can mean 'disgusting', it is often used as a compliment to mean 'impressive' or 'formidable' when used in a sarcastic or admiring tone.
- In casual conversation, ghê is frequently used as a sentence-final particle to express disbelief or amazement, similar to saying 'Wow' or 'No way'.
- The word gớm can be used in the phrase gớm thật, which doesn't always mean 'disgusting' but can mean 'quite a character' when describing someone's boldness.
Examples in context
- Điều đó kinh tởm tuyệt đối!It's absolutely disgusting!This sentence is useful for expressing that something is absolutely disgusting using tởm.Tatoeba #1513741 by trieuho, translation #1513735 by Spamster
- Cái bánh pizza này gớm quá đi!This pizza is disgusting!This sentence is useful for expressing that something is disgusting using gớm.Tatoeba #4302028 by trieuho, translation #4300763 by Incursio
- Tởm quá!Disgusting!This sentence is useful for expressing disgust using tởm.Tatoeba #11535031 by OneJanuary, translation #1342184 by marcelostockle
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hùng and Mai are looking at a spoiled food item in the fridge.
- HùngNhìn cái này tởm quá đi.Look at this, it's so disgusting.
- MaiĐừng chạm vào nó, Hùng!Don't touch it, Hùng!
- HùngTôi sẽ vứt nó vào thùng rác.I will throw it in the trash.
- MaiHãy làm nhanh lên đi.Please do it quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “disgusting” translations and entries tởm, gớm, ghê, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
