Nét

Nét is a Vietnamese noun that broadly means line, stroke, contour, or a distinguishing feature. It appears in both literal and figurative contexts and is widely used in art, writing, and everyday language. In geometry or drawing, nét refers to a single line or the outline of a shape.

In handwriting and calligraphy, nét denotes the quality and form of a stroke—the weight, direction, speed, and pressure that give a character its character. Phrases such as nét chữ (handwriting strokes and style) and nét bút (brush-stroke quality) are common, and the concept is central to evaluating the elegance and expressiveness of script.

In painting and visual arts, nét describes line work and its expressive quality. A fluid, well-controlled nét is associated with precision and rhythm in the artist’s technique. The term also extends to design and typography, where the perceived balance and harmony of lines contribute to overall aesthetics.

In everyday use, nét can describe the distinctive features of a person or object, such as facial features (nét mặt) or the characteristic atmosphere of a scene. As a core element of Vietnamese aesthetics, nét links visual form with stylistic impression, spanning traditional arts and modern design.

In summary, nét functions as a versatile term that covers literal lines and strokes, as well as the deeper stylistic character conveyed by those strokes. It is a foundational concept in Vietnamese evaluations of handwriting, art, and visual expression.