chối xác
Definition
Adjective: - Extremely exhausted, completely worn out, dead tired: A vulgar, informal term describing a state of extreme physical fatigue, often to the point of being unable to continue. It emphasizes being utterly drained of energy.
Usage
- As a predicate adjective: Typically follows the verb 'đến' (to the point of) or 'thấy' (to feel).
- Làm việc liên tục 12 tiếng, tôi chối xác. (Working continuously for 12 hours, I am dead tired.)
- Chạy bộ 10km xong, nó chối xác luôn. (After running 10km, he was completely wiped out.)
- In a complement structure: Often used with 'đến mức' (to the extent) or simply 'đến'.
- Anh ấy làm việc đến chối xác. (He worked himself to exhaustion.)
Advanced Usage
- 'Chối xác' vs. 'Mệt': 'Chối xác' is much stronger and more vulgar than the standard 'mệt' (tired). It conveys a sense of being pushed beyond one's limits.
- Mệt: "I'm tired after work."
- Chối xác: "I'm completely wrecked and can't move another muscle."
Variants and Related Words
- Kiệt sức (adj): exhausted, depleted of strength (standard, less vulgar synonym).
- Mệt lử / Mệt nhoài (adj): very tired, worn out (informal, but less vulgar than 'chối xác').
- Mệt bã người (adj): extremely tired (colloquial).
Synonyms
- Épuisé (French loanword, adj): exhausted.
- Bơ phờ (adj): worn out, haggard.
- Hết hơi hết sức (idiomatic phrase): to be out of breath and strength.
Notes on Register
- Register: This is a vulgar and highly informal term. It is inappropriate for formal writing, official contexts, or polite conversation. It is commonly used among close friends or in casual speech to exaggerate one's state of fatigue.
- Literal Sense: The word 'xác' means corpse or body. 'Chối' here is a colloquial intensifier. The term paints a vivid picture of being as lifeless as a corpse due to exhaustion.