bấy bớt
Definition
Adjective: - Weak, frail, sickly: Describes a person, especially a child, who is physically weak, delicate, or appears unhealthy and underdeveloped due to illness or malnutrition.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Đứa trẻ sinh non trông hơi bấy bớt. (The premature baby looks somewhat frail.)
- Nó ốm yếu, bấy bớt vì suy dinh dưỡng. (He is sickly and weak due to malnutrition.)
- Cơ thể bấy bớt không chịu được công việc nặng nhọc. (A frail body cannot endure hard labor.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "bấy bớt" is often used to evoke a sense of pity or concern for the subject's physical condition. It is more descriptive and literary than common synonyms like "ốm yếu".
- It can be used metaphorically in a limited sense to describe something insubstantial or weak, though this is less common.
- Lập luận của anh ta nghe thật bấy bớt. (His argument sounds very feeble.)
Variants and Related Words
- Bấy (adj): Can be used alone in some dialects with a similar meaning of weak or flimsy, but is very rare in modern standard Vietnamese. "Bấy bớt" is the standard form.
- Bé bỏng (adj): Tender, little (often for children). Focuses on small size and youth rather than weakness.
- Còi cọc (adj): Stunted, underdeveloped (often due to poor nutrition).
Synonyms
- Ốm yếu (adj): Sickly, in poor health.
- Gầy yếu (adj): Thin and weak.
- Mảnh khảnh (adj): Slender, slim (can be neutral or positive; "bấy bớt" always implies unhealthy weakness).
- Fragile (adj): Easily broken or damaged (closest English equivalent in context).
Notes on Meaning
- "Bấy bớt" specifically describes a physical state of weakness and often implies a visible lack of vitality or robustness. It is not typically used for temporary tiredness but for a more inherent or prolonged condition.
- It carries a connotation of needing care and protection.