Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Very meager, very scanty, very poor (in quantity or quality): Describes something that is extremely insufficient, lacking, or of very low amount or standard.
   • Completely hollow or empty (figuratively): Describes something that is utterly without substance, significance, or value.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Phần thưởng cho người chiến thắng thật là óp xọp. (The prize for the winner is very meager.)
  • Lương tháng này óp xọp quá, không đủ chi tiêu. (This month's salary is very scanty, not enough for expenses.)
  • Những lời hứa của anh ta nghe có vẻ óp xọp và không thuyết phục. (His promises sound completely hollow and unconvincing.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used to express strong dissatisfaction or criticism regarding the inadequacy of something (e.g., salary, portion, effort, result).
  • Kế hoạch mà họ đề xuất óp xọp về mọi mặt. (The plan they proposed is very poor in every aspect.)
• Can be used informally in spoken language for emphasis.

Variants and Related Words

• Óp (adj): Meager, scanty, insufficient. "Óp xọp" is an intensified form.
  • Bữa ăn óp quá. (The meal is too meager.)
• Xọp (adj, colloquial): Can imply deflated, limp, or lacking fullness; often combined with "óp" for emphasis.

Synonyms

• Ít ỏi: Scanty, meager.
• Nghèo nàn: Poor, impoverished (in quality or quantity).
• Rỗng tuếch: Completely empty, hollow.

Notes on Meaning

• The word strongly emphasizes a negative evaluation. It is not neutral.
• It primarily describes abstract concepts like quantity, quality, or substance, rather than physical size (e.g., not typically used for describing a physically thin person).

1. Very meager