ăn mặn

ăn (“to eat”) +‎ mặn (“salty”).

• (Hà Nội) IPA^(key): [ʔan˧˧ man˧˨ʔ]
• (Huế) IPA^(key): [ʔaŋ˧˧ maŋ˨˩ʔ]
• (Hồ Chí Minh City) IPA^(key): [ʔaŋ˧˧ maŋ˨˩˨]

ăn mặn

1. to eat salty/savory food, especially in a multi-course meal, usually as opposed to ăn ngọt/tráng miệng (“to eat sweet food, such as fruit or desserts”)

   Tiệc này không ăn mặn.

   There won't be savory refreshments in this party.

2. to eat too much salty food, in a way that could adversely affect your health

   Đừng ăn mặn kẻo đau thận.

   Don't eat too much salty food, it'll screw up your kidneys.

3. to eat animal products and not be a vegan

   Antonym: ăn chay

   Mình không ăn mặn.

   I'm vegan.