mỹ nam
The English phrase "pretty boy" translates to mỹ nam in Vietnamese.
mỹ nam is used to describe a handsome man or a pretty boy. It is frequently encountered in media contexts, such as when discussing handsome actors or idols. For example, you might see the related term mỹ nam thần.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mỹ nam is a more formal or literary way to describe a handsome man compared to common colloquial terms.
Did you know?
- The word mỹ in mỹ nam is a Sino-Vietnamese loanword meaning 'beautiful'. It is the same root used in Mỹ to refer to the country of 'America' because the name was originally transcribed as 'beautiful'.
- While English speakers might use 'pretty boy' as a tease or an insult to imply a man is vain, mỹ nam is almost exclusively a high compliment in Vietnamese.
- Because mỹ nam is a literary term, using it in a casual street setting might make you sound like you are reading from a historical romance novel.
Examples in context
- Anh ấy là một mỹ nam.He is a pretty boy.
- Mấy mỹ nam đó thật thu hút.Those pretty boys are really attractive.
- Cậu ấy trông như một mỹ nam.He looks like a pretty boy.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a celebrity on TV.
- MinhDiễn viên này là một mỹ nam thực thụ.This actor is a true pretty boy.
- MaiĐúng vậy, anh ấy rất đẹp trai.That's right, he is very handsome.
- MinhCác fan nữ rất thích mỹ nam như anh ấy.Female fans really love pretty boys like him.
- MaiChắc chắn rồi, Minh ạ.Certainly, Minh.
