bức
[ʔɓɨk̚˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) force, coerce
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(adjective) disturbed, upset, unsettled
Examples
Trời bức lắm, có lẽ sắp mưa.The sky is unsettled; it must be about to rain.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adjective) unbearably hot
Examples
Không có lấy một chút gió nhẹ cho đỡ bức.There was not the slightest bit of wind to dispel the heat.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(classifier) indicates walls, barriers, handwritten letters, drawings, paintings, photographs, sculptures or statues
Common questions
What does “bức” mean?
(verb) force, coerce
Is “bức” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.