tẻ

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The Vietnamese word "tẻ" can serve as both a noun and an adjective, and it has a couple of different meanings based on the context in which it is used.

As a Noun:

1. Gạo tẻ: This refers to "ordinary rice" or "plain rice." It is the common type of rice that is typically used in daily meals. It is different from "gạo nếp," which means sticky rice.
   • Example: "Tôi thích ăn gạo tẻ hơn gạo nếp." (I prefer eating ordinary rice over sticky rice.)

As an Adjective:

1. Uninteresting/Dull: When used as an adjective, "tẻ" describes something that is uninteresting, dull, or lacking excitement. For example, if a movie is not entertaining, you might say it is "phim tẻ."
   • Example: "Bộ phim này rất tẻ." (This movie is very dull.)

Usage Instructions:

• When using "tẻ" as a noun, it often pairs with "gạo" to specify the type of rice.
• As an adjective, it can be used to describe various things, such as events, activities, or even conversations that are not engaging.

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced contexts, "tẻ" can be used in phrases to express the feeling of monotony or lack of variety in life. For example, "Cuộc sống tẻ nhạt" means "a monotonous life."

Word Variants:

• Gạo nếp: This is the opposite of "gạo tẻ," meaning sticky rice, which is often used for desserts or special dishes.
• Tẻ nhạt: This is a compound word that combines "tẻ" with "nhạt," meaning bland or tasteless, and it can describe something that is lacking flavor or excitement.

Different Meanings:

• While "tẻ" primarily refers to ordinary rice and describes dullness, it can also imply a lack of spice or flavor in food, making it relevant in culinary discussions.

Synonyms:

• For the noun form, a synonym could be "gạo thường" (common rice).
• For the adjective form, synonyms include "nhàm chán" (boring) or "vô vị" (tasteless).

Academic

noun

1. (gạo tẻ) ordinary rice, plain rice

adj

1. uninteresting, dull uncronded