Significado
A very bitter taste.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the widespread use of 'Thuốc Bắc' (Chinese medicine) and 'Thuốc Nam' (Vietnamese medicine), which are boiled herbs known for their extreme bitterness. In the South, 'khổ qua' (bitter melon) is a staple. The name is a linguistic play on 'suffering passing by', making the bitterness of the food culturally significant. Vietnamese coffee is often robusta-based and very strong. Using 'đắng như thuốc' is a common way to critique a cup that hasn't been balanced with enough condensed milk. There is a cultural belief that 'Thuốc đắng dã tật' (Bitter medicine cures the disease), so bitterness is often associated with health and efficacy.
Use it for Coffee
This is the most natural way to complain about bad coffee in Vietnam without being too rude.
Not for Sadness
Avoid using this for 'bitter' feelings. Use 'cay đắng' instead.
Significado
A very bitter taste.
Use it for Coffee
This is the most natural way to complain about bad coffee in Vietnam without being too rude.
Not for Sadness
Avoid using this for 'bitter' feelings. Use 'cay đắng' instead.
Add 'Bắc'
Saying 'Đắng như thuốc bắc' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Cà phê này đắng như ______.
The standard idiom is 'đắng như thuốc' (bitter as medicine).
Which situation is most appropriate for using 'đắng như thuốc'?
When would you say this?
The phrase is used for physical bitter taste.
Match the taste with the correct comparison.
Match the following:
These are the standard similes for the four main tastes in Vietnamese.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Thử miếng khổ qua này đi! B: Eo ơi, ______!
Bitter melon (khổ qua) is known for being bitter, so 'đắng như thuốc' is the natural reaction.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Where would you hear 'Đắng như thuốc bắc'?
'Thuốc bắc' refers to traditional herbal medicine.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
5 ejerciciosCà phê này đắng như ______.
The standard idiom is 'đắng như thuốc' (bitter as medicine).
When would you say this?
The phrase is used for physical bitter taste.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the standard similes for the four main tastes in Vietnamese.
A: Thử miếng khổ qua này đi! B: Eo ơi, ______!
Bitter melon (khổ qua) is known for being bitter, so 'đắng như thuốc' is the natural reaction.
Where would you hear 'Đắng như thuốc bắc'?
'Thuốc bắc' refers to traditional herbal medicine.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasYes, but it's more commonly associated with the intense bitterness of liquid herbal medicine.
Not necessarily, but it is a complaint. Use it with friends, but maybe not to a chef you don't know.
'Đắng' is bitter (like coffee). 'Chát' is astringent (like an unripe banana).
Because traditional Vietnamese medicine is famous for being incredibly bitter.
No, that makes no sense in Vietnamese culture!
Frases relacionadas
Thuốc đắng dã tật
builds onBitter medicine cures the illness.
Đắng ngắt
similarExtremely bitter.
Cay đắng
contrastBitter and spicy (metaphorically: painful/sad).
Ngọt như đường
contrastSweet as sugar.
Đắng như ký ninh
specialized formBitter as quinine.
