ba bị

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The Vietnamese word "ba bị" is a noun that translates to "bogey," "bogy," "bugbear," or "bugaboo" in English. It often refers to something that is feared or avoided, like a troublesome figure or a source of anxiety.

Basic Meaning:

1. Bogey/Bugbear: In a general sense, "ba bị" can refer to someone or something that causes fear or anxiety. This can be a scary figure or an issue that people are worried about.

   • "Trẻ con thường sợ ông ba bị dưới giường." (Children often fear the bogeyman under the bed.)

Usage Instructions:

• "Ba bị" is typically used in informal contexts, especially when discussing fears or worries in a light-hearted or humorous manner.

Advanced Usage:

1. Seedy/Shabby: The term can also be used to describe something that is worn out or shabby. For example, if someone has old clothes that look tattered, you might say they are "ba bị."

   • "Cái áo này cũ quá, nhìn ba bị quá!" (This shirt is too old; it looks so shabby!)

2. Unprincipled/Good for Nothing: "Ba bị" can describe a person who is untrustworthy or has a bad reputation. It can be translated as "knave," "rascal," or "cad."

   • "Anh ta là một anh chàng ba bị, không ai tin tưởng." (He is a good-for-nothing rascal; no one trusts him.)

Word Variants:

• There aren’t many direct variants of "ba bị," but sometimes it can be paired with other words to create phrases that emphasize its meaning, such as "người ba bị" (a person who is untrustworthy) or "trang phục ba bị" (shabby clothing).

Different Meanings:

• Depending on the context, "ba bị" can evoke different feelings. It can refer to a light-hearted fear (like a story for children) or a serious criticism of a person’s character.

Synonyms:

• For the "bogey" meaning: con ma (ghost), kẻ xấu (bad person)
• For the "seedy/shabby" meaning: cũ kỹ (old and worn), tồi tàn (dilapidated)
• For the "unprincipled" meaning: kẻ lừa đảo (fraudster), kẻ xấc xược (impudent person)

Summary:

"Ba bị" is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, from discussing fears and anxieties to describing shabby clothing or untrustworthy individuals.

Academic

noun

1. Bogey, bogy, bugbear, bugaboo
   • ông ba bị
     The bogey

adj

1. seedy, shabby, battered
   • bộ quần áo ba bị
     a seedy suit of clothes
2. unprincipled, knavish, good for nothing
   • anh chàng ba bị
     knave, rascal, cad