đồ ăn ngon
[ʔɗo˨˩ ʔan˧˧ ŋɔn˧˧]word by word
In Vietnamese, the phrase for good food is đồ ăn ngon.
The phrase is used to describe food that tastes pleasant or is of high quality. You can also use the adjective ngon on its own to mean delicious or good when describing food. To express that food is very good or extremely delicious, it is common to say ngon quá.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase đồ ăn ngon is composed of đồ ăn, which means food or eating stuff and ngon, which means delicious or good.
Which one should you use?
While đồ ăn ngon refers to food in a general sense, you may use món ăn ngon when referring to specific dishes or prepared meals. Additionally, Món ăn tuyệt vời is a more formal way to express that something is great food.
How does it change in a sentence?
When discussing specific prepared meals or dishes, use món ăn ngon instead of the more general đồ ăn ngon.
Did you know?
- While ngon means 'delicious' for food, it can also be used to describe a 'good' or 'attractive' person, similar to calling someone a 'snack' in English slang.
- If a deal or a price is very favorable, a Vietnamese speaker might describe the bargain as ngon, treating a good price like a delicious meal.
- The word ăn (to eat) is so central to the culture that it appears in many compound words that have nothing to do with actual consumption, such as 'to win' or 'to settle'.
Examples in context
- Món này thật ngon!This dish is really delicious!
- Tôi muốn thử món ngon đặc biệt!I want to try a special and delicious dish!
- Có món gì đặc sản không? Tôi muốn thử!Do you have any local specialties? I want to try them!
- Ở đây có đồ ăn ngon.There is good food here.
- Tôi muốn tìm đồ ăn ngon.I want to find good food.
- Mẹ tôi nấu đồ ăn ngon lắm.My mother cooks very good food.
Example conversation
Mai and Nam are talking about dinner.
- MaiNam, bạn muốn ăn gì tối nay?Nam, what do you want to eat tonight?
- NamTôi muốn tìm một chỗ có đồ ăn ngon.I want to find a place with good food.
- MaiTôi biết một quán phở rất tuyệt.I know a very great pho shop.
- NamVậy chúng ta cùng đi nhé.Then let's go together.
