Definition

1. Adjective (colloquial):
   • To be utterly captivated or enchanted: Used to describe a state of being extremely fascinated, charmed, or infatuated by someone or something, to the point of feeling overwhelmed.
   • To be exhausted to death (archaic/regional): An older or less common usage meaning to be extremely tired, similar to "chết mệt."

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nghe giọng hát cô ấy, tôi chết mê. (Listening to her singing voice, I am utterly captivated.)
  • Thiết kế của chiếc xe mới khiến dân công nghệ chết mê. (The design of the new car makes tech enthusiasts go crazy for it.)
  • Cậu bé chết mê trước màn trình diễn pháo hoa. (The little boy was mesmerized by the fireworks display.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used in exaggerated, informal speech to express strong admiration or desire. It can describe reactions to beauty, talent, sound, or any highly appealing stimulus.
• The intensity is stronger than simply "thích" (like) and implies a loss of self-control or deep absorption.

Variants and Related Words

• Chết mệt (adj): To be extremely tired; exhausted.

  • Làm việc 12 tiếng, tôi chết mệt. (Working for 12 hours, I am exhausted.)

• Mê mẩn (adj/verb): To be fascinated, enthralled. A close synonym with slightly less exaggerated intensity.

  • Anh ấy mê mẩn trước vẻ đẹp của bức tranh. (He was enthralled by the beauty of the painting.)

Synonyms

• Enthralled: Captured and held the complete interest and attention of.
• Mesmerized: Held spellbound; fascinated.
• Captivated: Attracted and held interest or attention by charm or excellence.
• Infatuated: Possessed by an intense but short-lived passion or admiration.

Related Idioms

• Chết đi sống lại: To be overjoyed; to be so happy it feels like dying and coming back to life. Shares the hyperbolic use of "chết" (to die).

  • Nghe tin ấy, anh ta vui sướng chết đi sống lại. (Hearing that news, he was overjoyed.)

• Mê như điếu đổ: To be deeply infatuated or addicted (to someone or something). A simile comparing the state of being "mê" to a fallen opium pipe.

  • Cậu ấy mê cô ta như điếu đổ. (He is deeply infatuated with her.)