kinh tởm
[kïŋ˧˧ təːm˧˩]word by word
The English word "gross" can be translated into Vietnamese as kinh tởm.
kinh tởm is used to express a strong sense of disgust, often involving deep physical or moral revulsion.
Meaning: causing disgust (adj)
Which one should you use?
While kinh tởm implies a deep sense of revulsion, the word ghê is more commonly used for everyday unpleasantness or feeling "the creeps." Additionally, if you want to describe something specifically as rotten or putrid, you should use thối.
Did you know?
- In some dialects, ghê can be used as an intensifier meaning 'very' or 'extremely', making it possible for the word for 'gross' to actually describe something impressive.
- The first syllable in kinh tởm comes from the Sino-Vietnamese character 驚, which also means 'to be startled' or 'frightened'.
- In casual conversation, a speaker might say ghê while smiling or laughing to tease a friend, turning a word for 'gross' into a playful expression of mock-horror.
Examples in context
- Cái thức ăn kia trông bẩn thỉu. Tôi không thể ăn được!That food looks gross. I can't eat it!
- Mùi này thật kinh tởm.This smell is truly gross.
- Cảm giác thật kinh tởm khi chạm vào nó.It feels gross to touch it.
- Những hình ảnh đó thật kinh tởm.Those images are gross.
Example conversation
Lan and Tuấn are looking at a dirty street puddle.
- LanNhìn cái vũng nước đó kìa, kinh tởm quá!Look at that puddle, it's so gross!
- TuấnĐừng nhìn nữa Lan, nó bẩn lắm.Don't look anymore, Lan, it's very dirty.
- LanTôi thấy buồn nôn quá.I feel so nauseous.
- TuấnĐi nhanh khỏi đây thôi.Let's just get out of here quickly.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (kinh, tởm) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kinh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
