Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Run-down, in a state of disrepair: Describes something (typically a house, object, or place) that is dilapidated, neglected, and in very poor condition due to a lack of care or maintenance.
   • Uncared-for, neglected: Indicates a state of being abandoned or left to deteriorate.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Căn nhà đó trông thật ba vạ. (That house looks really run-down.)
  • Anh ta để chiếc xe ba vạ ngoài sân. (He left the uncared-for car in the yard.)
  • Khu vườn ba vạ đầy cỏ dại. (The neglected garden is full of weeds.)

Advanced Usage

• "ba vạ" as a state: Often used to emphasize a complete or severe state of disrepair and abandonment.
  • Sau nhiều năm bỏ hoang, nhà máy đã trở nên ba vạ. (After many years of abandonment, the factory has become completely run-down.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bỏ hoang / Bỏ phế (phrases): To abandon, to leave deserted. These describe the action that leads to a state.
  • Công viên bị bỏ hoang nên giờ rất ba vạ. (The park was abandoned so now it's very run-down.)
• Xiêu vẹo (adj): Rickety, leaning. Can describe part of a structure.
  • Căn nhà ba vạ với cánh cửa xiêu vẹo. (The run-down house with a rickety door.)

Synonyms

• Tồi tàn: Dilapidated, wretched.
• Hoang phế: Deserted and in ruins.
• Xuống cấp: Deteriorated, degraded (often less severe than ).

Related Phrases

• Để cho ba vạ: To let something fall into a state of disrepair.
  • Chủ cũ để mảnh đất cho ba vạ. (The previous owner let the plot of land become run-down.)

Notes on Usage

• Register: is an informal, colloquial adjective. It is commonly used in spoken Vietnamese.
• Connotation: It carries a strong negative connotation, vividly describing visible neglect and poor condition. It is not typically used for temporary messiness but for long-term deterioration.

adj

1. run-down, uncared-for