ác
[ʔaːk̚˧˦]
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) cruel; evil; inhumane; merciless
Register: formal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
cái ácevil
Thiện, Ác, TàThe Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(adjective) having a harmful effect; intense and severe
Register: formal
Examples
rét ácintensely cold, freezing
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adjective) at a higher, more impressive level
Register: formal
Examples
ăn diện ácto dress up impressively
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(noun) evil
Register: formal
Examples
thiện (và) ácgood and evil
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “ác” mean?
(adjective) cruel; evil; inhumane; merciless
Is “ác” formal or informal?
ác is generally formal.