Definition
发酸 is a separable verb (离合词) that describes the process of becoming sour or acidic — used for food going bad (like milk or leftovers) and for a dull, aching sensation in the body (like muscles after exercise). It can also describe a tingling or stinging feeling in the eyes or nose (from smoke, onions, or strong smells). The 发 part carries the meaning of 'to become' or 'to emit', and 酸 is the result. You can insert aspect markers or complements between them: 发了酸, 发过酸.
v.o.
to turn sour (food)to ache dully (muscles, joints)to tingle or sting (eyes, nose)
Examples
- ，发酸。Niúnǎi fàng le yì zhěng tiān, yǐjīng fā le.The milk has been sitting out all day and has already turned sour.
- ，发酸。Pǎo wán bù yǐhòu, wǒ de tuǐ yǒudiǎn fā.After running, my legs ache a little.
- ，发酸。Qiē yángcōng de shíhou, yǎnjīng huì fā.When cutting onions, your eyes will sting.
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