ủ dột
[ʔu˧˩ zot̚˧˨ʔ]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) somber, gloomy, melancholy
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Bọn họ cũng không có ác ý gì đâu, chỉ vì thấy em có vẻ ủ dột cho nên mới đùa như thế để mong em vui thôi mà, em đừng nên tức giận làm gì."They didn't mean it badly; they found you looked somber and so they made a joke, to cheer you up; no need to get all fed up."
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) dark and grey, heavy
Examples
bầu trời ủ dộta somber sky
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “ủ dột” mean?
(adjective) somber, gloomy, melancholy
Is “ủ dột” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.