óng ánh
The English word iridescent is translated into Vietnamese as óng ánh.
The term óng ánh is an adjective used to describe something that produces lustrous colors.
Meaning: producing lustrous colors (adj)
Did you know?
- Vietnamese distinguishes between óng ánh for shimmering light and lấp lánh for twinkling light, such as the flashing of stars.
- Unlike the English 'iridescent', which often implies a rainbow of colors, óng ánh can describe a single-colored shimmering effect, such as gold or silver.
- Some linguists suggest ánh might not be Chinese but instead comes from a Proto-Austroasiatic root meaning 'to shine' or 'to expose to heat'.
Examples in context
- Những bong bóng xà phòng trông thật óng ánh.The soap bubbles look so iridescent.
- Vỏ con trai có màu óng ánh.The seashell has an iridescent color.
- Mặt nước lấp lánh óng ánh dưới nắng.The water surface shimmers iridescently under the sun.
Example conversation
Tuấn and Hương are looking at a beautiful sea shell on the beach.
- TuấnNhìn vỏ sò này óng ánh chưa kìa!Look how iridescent this seashell is!
- HươngĐúng là đẹp thật đấy, Tuấn ạ.It really is beautiful, Tuấn.
- TuấnMàu sắc của nó thay đổi theo ánh sáng.Its colors change with the light.
- HươngEm cũng thấy nó rất cuốn hút.I also find it very captivating.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ánh, óng ánh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
