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A1 adjective 10 min read

cay

Examples cay in 30 Seconds
Explanation cay in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'cay' is one of the first adjectives you should learn to navigate food. It simply means 'spicy' or 'hot' (as in chili heat). At this stage, you use it in very simple Subject-Verb-Adjective patterns. For example, 'Phở cay' (Spicy Pho) or 'Ớt cay' (Chili is spicy). You will mostly use it to express your preferences when eating. If you don't like spicy food, the phrase 'Không cay' (Not spicy) is a survival phrase. You might also learn the intensifier 'quá' (too/very), as in 'cay quá!' (too spicy!). The focus here is purely on physical taste and basic restaurant interactions. You don't need to worry about metaphorical meanings yet. Just remember: 'cay' is for food heat, 'nóng' is for temperature. If the soup is boiling, it is 'nóng'. If it has too much pepper, it is 'cay'.
At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'cay' to include more specific descriptions and physical sensations. You will learn to use 'cay' with verbs like 'ăn' (to eat) to say 'Tôi ăn cay được' (I can eat spicy food). You also start to use 'cay' to describe physical irritation, such as 'cay mắt' (stinging eyes) when you are in a smoky room or cutting onions. You will learn to compare levels of spiciness using 'hơn' (more), like 'Món này cay hơn món kia' (This dish is spicier than that one). At this level, you should also be comfortable with the word 'ớt' (chili) and how it relates to 'cay'. You might start hearing the word in common idioms, but your primary usage remains descriptive of the physical world around you.
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At the B1 level, you move into the metaphorical and emotional territory of 'cay'. You will learn the compound 'cay cú', which describes being resentful or 'salty' about a loss. For example, 'Anh ấy cay cú vì bị thua game' (He is resentful because he lost the game). You will also encounter 'cay đắng', used to describe life's hardships or a 'bitter' experience. Your culinary vocabulary becomes more nuanced; instead of just 'cay', you might use 'cay nồng' (pungent) or 'cay xè' (burning). You can explain why something is spicy, perhaps mentioning specific ingredients like 'hạt tiêu' (peppercorns) or 'gừng' (ginger). You should be able to participate in a conversation about food culture and explain your spice tolerance level in detail, using 'cay' to describe both the taste and the physical reaction it causes.
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At the B2 level, 'cay' becomes a tool for expressive and descriptive language. You will use it in literary or formal contexts to describe harshness. Words like 'cay nghiệt' (harsh/bitter) describe a person's character or a difficult situation. You might read news articles about a 'thất bại cay đắng' (bitter defeat) in politics or sports. You understand the nuance between 'cay' and 'xót' (stinging vs. aching). You can use 'cay' to describe the 'sting' of a cold wind or the 'bite' of a sarcastic comment. Your grasp of Vietnamese culture allows you to understand why 'cay' is such a central concept in both cuisine and philosophy—the idea that life, like food, requires a balance of all flavors, even the ones that hurt. You can use 'cay' in complex sentence structures, such as 'Dù biết là cay đắng, nhưng anh vẫn quyết định nói ra sự thật' (Even though he knew it would be bitter, he still decided to tell the truth).
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At the C1 level, you use 'cay' with the precision of a native speaker, employing it in puns, sophisticated idioms, and academic discussions of literature. You understand the subtle differences between 'cay độc', 'cay nghiệt', and 'cay đắng'. You can analyze how a writer uses the imagery of 'cay mắt' to symbolize hidden grief or social injustice. You are comfortable with the historical etymology of the word and how it has evolved in different dialects (though 'cay' is fairly universal). You might use 'cay' in professional critiques, describing a 'lời nhận xét cay độc' (a scathing/venomous remark). You also appreciate the sensory aesthetics of 'cay' in Vietnamese culinary arts, discussing how the 'vị cay' balances the 'vị béo' (fatty taste) in traditional dishes. Your usage is no longer just about communication; it's about style and cultural resonance.
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At the C2 level, you possess a near-native intuition for the word 'cay'. You can use it to evoke deep emotional responses in writing or oratory. You understand the philosophical implications of 'cay' in Buddhist-influenced Vietnamese thought—the 'cay đắng' of the cycle of rebirth. You can navigate the most informal slang where 'cay' might be used in highly specific, localized ways among youth or specific subcultures (like the 'cay' of a specific gaming community). You can effortlessly switch between the literal 'cay' of a gourmet meal and the abstract 'cay' of a complex geopolitical situation. You might even use the word to critique the nuances of a translation, explaining why 'spicy' doesn't quite capture the 'cay' of a particular Vietnamese poem. At this level, 'cay' is not just a word; it's a versatile brushstroke in your linguistic repertoire.
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Examples

cay in 30 Seconds

  • Cay means spicy or hot in a culinary sense, referring to chili or pepper.
  • It also describes physical stinging, like eyes reacting to smoke or onions.
  • Metaphorically, it expresses resentment, bitterness, or harshness in life and speech.
  • It is a level-tone word, distinct from 'cây' (tree) and 'cày' (plow).

The Vietnamese word cay is primarily an adjective used to describe the pungent, biting sensation of heat found in food, typically caused by chili peppers, black pepper, ginger, or mustard. At its most basic level, it is the direct equivalent of the English word 'spicy' or 'hot' in a culinary context. However, in the rich tapestry of the Vietnamese language, cay extends far beyond the dinner table. It encapsulates a physical reaction—the stinging of eyes from smoke or onions, the burning of a wound, and most poignantly, the sharp, biting pain of emotional distress or resentment.

Culinary Heat
Used to describe food that has a lot of chili or pepper. It is one of the five fundamental tastes in Vietnamese cuisine (ngũ vị), alongside sour, bitter, salty, and sweet.
Physical Irritation
Describes the stinging sensation in the eyes (cay mắt) when exposed to smoke, soap, or during the act of crying.
Metaphorical Bitterness
Refers to a feeling of resentment, indignation, or the 'sting' of a defeat or unfair treatment (cay cú).

Món bún bò này rất cay, nhưng rất ngon.

Translation: This bun bo dish is very spicy, but very delicious.

In daily life, you will hear this word constantly in markets and restaurants. Because Vietnamese people have varying tolerances for heat, 'cay' is often modified. You might hear 'cay vừa' (medium spicy), 'cay xè' (burning spicy), or 'không cay' (not spicy). The word is monosyllabic and carries a level tone (ngang), making it one of the easiest words for beginners to pronounce, yet its usage permeates every level of social interaction from complaining about the weather's 'stinging' heat to expressing deep-seated sorrow ('cay đắng').

Em bị xà phòng làm cay mắt.

Translation: My eyes are stinging because of the soap.

Understanding 'cay' also means understanding the Vietnamese palate. Unlike the 'creamy heat' of some Western dishes, Vietnamese 'cay' is often sharp and immediate, coming from fresh bird's eye chilies (ớt chỉ thiên). This sharpness is reflected in the word itself—short, crisp, and impactful. When used emotionally, it suggests a pain that is not dull but rather sharp and irritating, like a wound that won't stop stinging. This is why 'cay đắng' (spicy-bitter) is the standard term for a life full of hardships and suffering.

Using cay in a sentence is grammatically straightforward because it functions as a standard adjective. In Vietnamese, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify or follow a linking verb (which is often omitted in simple descriptions). To master its use, you need to understand how to intensify it and how to apply it to different contexts like food, physical sensations, and emotions.

Basic Description
Noun + (Rất/Quá) + Cay. Example: 'Ớt này rất cay' (This chili is very spicy).
As a Verb-Object Result
Verb + Làm + Cay. Example: 'Hành tây làm tôi cay mắt' (Onions make my eyes sting).
Adverbial Use
Ăn + Cay. Example: 'Bạn có ăn cay được không?' (Can you eat spicy food?).

Đừng cho nhiều ớt quá, tôi không ăn cay được.

Translation: Don't put too much chili, I can't eat spicy.

When you want to describe the intensity of the spiciness, Vietnamese offers several colorful intensifiers. 'Cay xè' describes a heat that makes your tongue tingle or 'hiss'. 'Cay nồng' describes a pungent heat that rises to the nose, like wasabi or mustard. 'Cay chảy nước mắt' is self-explanatory: so spicy you cry. In emotional contexts, 'cay' is often paired with 'cú' to form 'cay cú', which describes a state of being annoyed or frustrated because of a failure or loss. For example, 'Anh ấy rất cay cú vì thua trận' (He is very resentful because he lost the match).

Vị cay của gừng giúp làm ấm cơ thể.

Translation: The spiciness of ginger helps warm the body.

For advanced learners, 'cay' appears in complex compound words. 'Cay độc' (spicy-poisonous) describes someone's words that are harsh, cruel, and intended to hurt. 'Cay nghiệt' is similar, often used to describe a harsh fate or a person's bitter disposition. In these cases, the 'heat' of the spice is transformed into the 'burn' of a social or psychological strike. When writing, remember that 'cay' is a versatile tool to describe both a delicious bowl of Phở and a heartbreaking life story.

If you walk through any bustling 'chợ' (market) in Vietnam, the word cay will be part of the ambient noise. You'll hear customers asking 'Ớt này có cay không?' (Is this chili spicy?) and vendors responding with 'Cay lắm!' (Very spicy!) or 'Cay vừa thôi' (Just medium spicy). It is a fundamental word for survival and enjoyment in the Vietnamese culinary landscape.

At the Street Food Stall
You'll hear 'Cho ít cay thôi' (Give me just a little spice) or 'Thêm cay' (Add more spice). Chefs will often ask 'Ăn cay được không?' (Can you eat spicy?) before adding the signature red chili slices.
In Family Kitchens
When peeling onions, someone might exclaim 'Cay mắt quá!' (My eyes sting so much!). Or when tasting a soup, 'Hơi cay một chút' (A bit spicy).
In Competitive Environments
In sports or gaming, if someone loses and is visibly upset, friends might tease them by saying 'Cay cú hả?' (Feeling salty/resentful?).

Nước chấm này cay xè, ăn vào tỉnh cả người!

Translation: This dipping sauce is tongue-tinglingly spicy; eating it wakes you right up!

Beyond the literal, 'cay' is a staple in Vietnamese pop culture and music. In 'Bolero' music—a genre famous for its melancholic themes—you will often hear lyrics about 'đời cay đắng' (a bitter/spicy life). Here, 'cay' represents the hardships of poverty, lost love, and social injustice. It’s also common in news headlines when describing a 'stinging defeat' in a soccer match (thất bại cay đắng).

Thua ván này thấy cay thật đấy.

Translation: Losing this round feels really frustrating (stinging).

In professional settings, 'cay' is less common unless discussing food or using the compound 'cay nghiệt' in literature or HR discussions regarding workplace toxicity. However, in the informal 'nhậu' (drinking) culture, 'cay' is a badge of honor. Men often challenge each other to eat the spiciest chilies to prove their 'bản lĩnh' (courage/manliness). Thus, hearing 'cay' often signals an intense, sensory, or emotional experience is happening.

For English speakers learning Vietnamese, the word cay presents a few pitfalls, primarily related to phonetics (tones) and semantic range. Because Vietnamese is a tonal language, a slight shift in pitch changes 'spicy' into 'tree', 'plow', or 'tomb'. Furthermore, beginners often struggle with the metaphorical uses, using 'cay' where they should use 'buồn' (sad) or 'giận' (angry).

The Tone Trap
The most common mistake is confusing 'cay' (spicy - level tone) with 'cây' (tree/plant). While they look similar in English transliteration, the 'ay' in 'cay' is an open sound, while the 'ây' in 'cây' is a more closed, central sound.
Misusing 'Cay' for 'Hot' (Temperature)
In English, 'hot' can mean both temperature and spiciness. In Vietnamese, these are strictly separated. 'Cay' is for spice; 'nóng' is for temperature. Never say 'Súp này cay quá' if you mean the soup is boiling hot.
Overusing 'Cay' for Sadness
While 'cay đắng' means bitter/sad, you cannot just use 'cay' alone to mean 'I am sad'. You must use the full compound or stick to 'buồn'.

Sai: Trời hôm nay rất cay. (Wrong: The weather today is very spicy.)

Đúng: Trời hôm nay rất nóng. (Right: The weather today is very hot.)

Another mistake involves the intensity markers. Learners often say 'rất cay' for everything. While correct, it sounds robotic. Native speakers use 'cay quá', 'cay kinh khủng', or 'cay xè'. Additionally, when describing the eyes stinging, learners often forget the word 'mắt'. They might say 'Tôi bị cay' (I am spicy), which makes no sense. You must say 'Tôi bị cay mắt' (My eyes are stinging).

Tôi không ăn được cây. (I can't eat trees.)

Common learner error: using 'cây' (tree) instead of 'cay' (spicy).

Finally, be careful with 'cay cú'. It is quite informal and can sound aggressive if used in the wrong context. If you tell your boss he is 'cay cú' after a meeting, you might find yourself in trouble. It’s best reserved for friends or describing a third party's visible frustration.

While cay is the go-to word for spiciness, Vietnamese has a variety of synonyms and related terms that provide more nuance. Depending on whether the 'heat' comes from a chili, a ginger root, or an emotional wound, you might choose a different word to be more precise.

Cay Nồng
Used for spices that affect the nose and sinuses, like mustard, wasabi, or strong onions. It conveys a 'pungent' heat rather than just a tongue burn.
Cay Xè
An onomatopoeic intensifier. 'Xè' mimics the sound of air being sucked in through the teeth when the mouth is burning. Use this for extreme chili heat.
Tê
Means 'numb'. Often used with 'cay' (cay tê) to describe the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns or certain types of wild Vietnamese peppers.
Gắt
Means 'harsh' or 'sharp'. Often used for a heat that is unpleasant and bites the throat immediately.

Mù tạt có vị cay nồng rất đặc trưng.

Translation: Mustard has a very characteristic pungent spicy taste.

When discussing emotions, 'cay' can be replaced by 'nghiệt ngã' (cruel/harsh) or 'xót xa' (aching/painful). While 'cay' implies a sharp, resentful sting, 'xót' implies a more tender, empathetic pain. For example, 'cay cho số phận' (resentful of fate) vs. 'xót cho số phận' (pitying a fate). Choosing between these depends on the speaker's perspective: are they angry or are they mourning?

Tôi thích cảm giác cay tê của tiêu rừng.

Translation: I like the numbing-spicy sensation of wild pepper.

In summary, while 'cay' is the root, adding descriptors like 'nồng', 'xè', or 'đắng' allows you to navigate the complex world of Vietnamese flavors and feelings with the precision of a native speaker. Whether you are ordering 'Bún Thái' or writing a poem about the 'stinging' injustice of the world, these alternatives are your best friends.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kaɪ/
US /kaɪ/
Monosyllabic; no word stress, but the tone must be level and high-mid.
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it with a falling tone (cày), which means to plow.
  • Pronouncing it with a rising tone (cáy), which is a type of crab.
  • Confusing the 'ay' sound with 'ây' (cây), making it sound like 'ka
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Examples by Level

1

Phở này rất cay.

This Pho is very spicy.

Subject + Adjective. 'Rất' (very) comes before the adjective.

2

Tôi không ăn cay.

I don't eat spicy.

Subject + Không + Verb + Adjective (used as an object here).

3

Ớt có cay không?

Is the chili spicy?

Noun + Có + Adjective + Không? (Standard Yes/No question).

4

Món này cay quá!

This dish is too spicy!

Adjective + Quá (Too/Very) expresses exclamation.

5

Cho tôi chút cay.

Give me a bit of spice.

Imperative structure: Verb + Object.

6

Nó cay nhưng ngon.

It is spicy but delicious.

Using 'nhưng' (but) to connect two adjectives.

7

Tương ớt này cay.

This chili sauce is spicy.

Noun phrase + Adjective.

8

Bạn ăn cay được không?

Can you eat spicy?

Verb + Adjective + Được không? (Can you [do something]?)

1

Khói làm tôi cay mắt.

The smoke makes my eyes sting.

Noun + Làm + Object + Adjective.

2

Tôi thích ăn cay vừa.

I like eating medium spicy.

'Vừa' (medium/moderate) modifies 'cay'.

3

Hành tây làm cay mắt.

Onions cause eyes to sting.

General statement about an effect.

4

Món này không cay bằng món kia.

This dish is not as spicy as that one.

Comparison: Không + Adjective + Bằng (Not as... as).

5

Bạn có muốn thêm cay không?

Do you want to add more spice?

Thêm (to add) + Adjective.

6

Vị cay của gừng rất ấm.

The spicy taste of ginger is very warm.

Vị (taste) + Adjective + của + Noun.

7

Em bé không ăn được cay.

The baby cannot eat spicy food.

Negative ability: Không + Verb + Được + Adjective.

8

Nước chấm này hơi cay.

This dipping sauce is a bit spicy.

'Hơi' (a bit) comes before the adjective.

1

Anh ấy rất cay cú vì thua cuộc.

He is very resentful because of the loss.

'Cay cú' is a compound adjective for resentment.

2

Đừng cay cú như thế chứ!

Don't be so salty/resentful!

Imperative: Đừng + Adjective + Như thế (Don't be like that).

3

Vị cay xè làm tôi tỉnh táo.

The burning spicy taste makes me alert.

'Cay xè' is an intensive form of spicy.

4

Cuộc đời thật là cay đắng.

Life is truly bitter/spicy-bitter.

'Cay đắng' refers to life's hardships.

5

Mù tạt cay nồng lên tận mũi.

The mustard is so pungent it goes up to the nose.

'Cay nồng' describes pungent heat.

6

Tiêu đen làm món ăn cay thơm.

Black pepper makes the food spicy and fragrant.

Combining two adjectives: 'cay' and 'thơm'.

7

Tôi bị cay mắt do khói bụi.

My eyes are stinging due to smoke and dust.

Passive-like structure: Bị + Adjective + Do (Because of).

8

Canh chua phải cay mới ngon.

Sour soup must be spicy to be delicious.

Condition: Phải... mới... (Must... then...).

1

Bà ấy nói những lời rất cay nghiệt.

She said very harsh/bitter words.

'Cay nghiệt' describes harsh, biting words or character.

2

Thất bại này thật cay đắng.

This defeat is truly bitter.

Metaphorical use of 'cay đắng'.

3

Gió mùa đông cay cắt vào da thịt.

The winter wind stings/cuts into the skin.

Using 'cay' to describe the sting of cold.

4

Cậu ta vẫn còn cay cú chuyện cũ.

He is still resentful about the old story.

Vẫn còn (still) + Adjective.

5

Sự cay độc trong lời nói của anh ta làm tôi tổn thương.

The venom/harshness in his words hurt me.

'Sự cay độc' is the noun form (The harshness).

6

Món ăn này có vị cay tê đặc trưng của vùng núi.

This dish has the characteristic numbing-spicy taste of the mountains.

'Cay tê' refers to the numbing sensation.

7

Nụ cười cay đắng hiện trên môi cô ấy.

A bitter smile appeared on her lips.

Adjective modifying a noun (nụ cười).

8

Đừng để sự cay cú làm mờ mắt bạn.

Don't let resentment blind you.

Metaphorical phrase: 'làm mờ mắt'.

1

Tác phẩm lột tả cái cay nghiệt của chế độ cũ.

The work depicts the harshness of the old regime.

Abstract noun usage in literary analysis.

2

Ông ấy đã nếm trải đủ mọi cay đắng ngọt bùi của cuộc đời.

He has tasted all the bitterness and sweetness of life.

Idiomatic expression: 'cay đắng ngọt bùi' (ups and downs).

3

Một sự mỉa mai cay độc thoát ra từ môi anh ta.

A scathing irony escaped his lips.

Using 'cay độc' to modify 'mỉa mai' (irony).

4

Cái cay của ớt chỉ thiên khác hẳn cái cay của tiêu.

The spiciness of bird's eye chili is completely different from that of pepper.

Comparing types of 'cay'.

5

Anh ta trả thù một cách cay cú.

He took revenge in a resentful/salty manner.

Adverbial phrase: 'một cách' + Adjective.

6

Vết thương bị xà phòng vào nên rất cay.

The wound has soap in it, so it stings a lot.

Describing the physical sting of a wound.

7

Sự cay nghiệt của thời tiết khiến mùa màng thất bát.

The harshness of the weather caused crop failure.

Using 'cay nghiệt' for nature/weather.

8

Lời phê bình cay gắt của ban giám khảo.

The harsh/sharp criticism of the judges.

'Cay gắt' implies sharpness and intensity.

1

Triết lý nhân sinh ẩn sau vị cay đắng của tách trà.

The philosophy of life hidden behind the bitterness of the cup of tea.

Highly abstract and philosophical usage.

2

Sự cay cú trong chính trường thường dẫn đến những quyết định sai lầm.

Resentment in politics often leads to wrong decisions.

Using 'cay cú' in a political/social context.

3

Ngôn từ của ông ta cay như xát muối vào lòng.

His words were as stinging as rubbing salt into a wound.

Simile: 'cay như xát muối vào lòng'.

4

Cái cay nồng của rượu mạnh làm ông ta ho sặc sụa.

The pungency of the strong liquor made him cough violently.

Describing the 'burn' of alcohol.

5

Văn chương của ông thấm đẫm nỗi cay cực của kiếp người.

His literature is saturated with the extreme bitterness of human existence.

'Cay cực' implies the pinnacle of suffering.

6

Ánh nhìn cay nghiệt ấy theo tôi suốt cả cuộc đời.

That harsh gaze followed me my whole life.

Adjective used for an abstract 'gaze'.

7

Đừng để vị cay của hận thù thiêu cháy tâm hồn.

Don't let the sting of hatred burn your soul.

Metaphor combining 'cay' and 'thiêu cháy' (burn).

8

Sự cay nghiệt của định mệnh đã chia lìa họ.

The harshness of fate separated them.

Personifying 'định mệnh' (fate) with 'cay nghiệt'.

Common Collocations

Ăn cay
Cay mắt
Cay cú
Cay đắng
Cay nghiệt
Vị cay
Cay xè
Cay nồng
Thêm cay
Hơi cay

Common Phrases

Cay quá!

— Too spicy! Used as an exclamation when eating something hot.

Trời ơi, món này cay quá!

Không cay

— Not spicy. Essential for ordering food if you have low tolerance.

Làm cho tôi một bát không cay nhé.

Cay vừa

— Medium spicy. A safe middle ground for ordering.

Tôi muốn ăn cay vừa thôi.

Cay xè lưỡi

— Tongue-burning spicy. Describes extreme heat.

Ớt này cay xè lưỡi luôn.

Cay chảy nước mắt

— So spicy it makes you cry. Used for both food and stinging eyes.

Cắt hành làm tôi cay chảy nước mắt.

Đời là bể khổ, đầy cay đắng

— Life is a sea of suffering, full of bitterness. A common philosophical phrase.

Đừng buồn, đời là bể khổ đầy cay đắng mà.

Cay cú ăn thua

— To be overly competitive or resentful about winning and losing.

Chơi game thôi mà, đừng cay cú ăn thua quá.

Lời nói cay độc

— Venomous words. Describes someone being intentionally hurtful.

Cô ấy luôn dùng lời nói cay độc với người khác.

Vị cay nồng nàn

— A rich, pungent spicy taste. Often used in food writing.

Nước lẩu có vị cay nồng nàn của quế và hồi.

Thấy mà cay

— Seeing it makes one feel resentful or 'salty'. Slang in gaming/sports.

Nhìn nó thắng mà thấy cay thật.

Idioms & Expressions

"Cay đắng ngọt bùi"

— To share the ups and downs of life (bitterness and sweetness).

Vợ chồng cùng nhau chia sẻ cay đắng ngọt bùi.

Neutral
"Ngậm đắng nuốt cay"

— To endure hardships or injustices silently (swallowing bitterness and spiciness).

Bà ấy đã phải ngậm đắng nuốt cay để nuôi con.

Literary
"Cay như xát muối vào lòng"

— To be as painful as rubbing salt into a wound.

Lời nói của anh ta cay như xát muối vào lòng tôi.

Expressive
"Gừng càng già càng cay"

— The older the ginger, the spicier it is. (With age comes wisdom and experience).

Bác ấy làm việc rất giỏi, đúng là gừng càng già càng cay.

Proverb
"Cay nghiệt cuộc đời"

— The harshness/cruelty of life.

Ông lão đã trải qua bao cay nghiệt cuộc đời.

Literary
"Ăn cay mới biết mùi ớt"

— You have to eat spicy to know the taste of chili. (Experience is the best teacher).

Cứ thử đi, ăn cay mới biết mùi ớt chứ.

Informal
"Cay mũi"

— To feel a stinging in the nose, often a precursor to crying or from anger.

Nghe câu chuyện của cô ấy, tôi thấy cay mũi.

Neutral
"Cay xè con mắt"

— Extreme stinging of the eyes.

Khói bếp làm tôi cay xè con mắt.

Informal
"Đắng cay lọt lưới"

— To face a bitter failure or be caught in a difficult trap.

Kế hoạch thất bại, thật là đắng cay lọt lưới.

Rare/Literary
"Mặn, ngọt, chua, cay"

— Salty, sweet, sour, spicy. (The full range of life's experiences).

Cuộc sống có đủ mặn ngọt chua cay.

Neutral
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