nén
[nɛn˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to press; to compress; to squeeze
Register: formal
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
(verb) to repress; to control (oneself); to restrain
Register: formal
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(classifier) Used for sticks of incense.
Register: formal
Examples
“Ông Daniel Hauer cùng gia đình đã đề xuất được xin lỗi toàn thể người dân Việt Nam và được trực tiếp đến gặp gia đình Đại tướng để thắp nén hương xin lỗi cố Đại tướng Võ Nguyên Giáp”, ông Do cho hay.“Mr. Daniel Hauer and family have expressed their apology to all the Vietnamese people and have asked to (be allowed to) meet the family of General Võ Nguyên Giáp to light incense for the late general”, Mr. Do said.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(noun) ten tael (equal to 375 g)
Register: formal
Common questions
What does “nén” mean?
(verb) to press; to compress; to squeeze
Is “nén” formal or informal?
nén is generally formal.