đờm
[ʔɗəːm˨˩]
The English word phlegm is translated into Vietnamese as đờm.
đờm is a noun used to refer to mucus secreted in the bronchial passages.
Meaning: mucus secreted in the bronchial passages (noun)
Did you know?
- Certain Vietnamese herbal teas are specifically marketed as tan đờm, which literally translates to 'melting phlegm'.
- In Vietnam, you will often see signs in public places that specifically forbid khạc đờm, which means 'spitting phlegm'.
- In traditional Vietnamese medicine, the presence of đờm is often viewed not just as a symptom, but as an internal imbalance of 'dampness' in the body.
Examples in context
- Tôi đã bị cảm lạnh và có đờm trong ngực.I have caught a cold and have phlegm in my chest.
- Mũi tôi bị tắc do có nhiều đờm.My nose is blocked because I have a lot of phlegm.
- Cảm thấy khó chịu vì có khối nhầy trong họng.Feeling uncomfortable due to having phlegm in the throat.
- Anh ấy đang bị ho có đờm.He has a productive cough with phlegm.
- Đờm có màu xanh lục.The phlegm is greenish in color.
Example conversation
Tuấn is feeling unwell and Mai is checking on him.
- MaiAnh có thấy khó chịu trong cổ họng không?Do you feel any discomfort in your throat?
- TuấnCó, tôi có rất nhiều đờm.Yes, I have a lot of phlegm.
- MaiAnh nên uống nhiều nước ấm nhé.You should drink plenty of warm water.
- TuấnCảm ơn em, Mai.Thank you, Mai.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “phlegm” translations and entries đờm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
