chết mê
Definition
- 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.)