Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Fragile; brittle: "dễ bể" describes an object that is easily broken, cracked, or shattered, often because it is thin, delicate, or made of a rigid material like glass, ceramic, or certain plastics. It implies low resistance to physical stress or impact.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cái ly này làm bằng thủy tinh mỏng nên rất dễ bể. (This cup is made of thin glass, so it is very fragile.)
  • Đồ sứ thường đẹp nhưng cũng dễ bể. (Porcelain is often beautiful but also brittle.)
  • Hãy cẩn thận khi vận chuyển, món hàng này dễ bể lắm. (Be careful when transporting it; this item is very breakable.)

Advanced Usage

• "dễ bể vỡ": This is a common reinforcing phrase where "vỡ" (to break) emphasizes the state of being easily shattered.
  • Những giấc mơ thời trẻ đôi khi dễ bể vỡ. (The dreams of youth are sometimes fragile.)
• Used metaphorically to describe something abstract that is easily damaged or ruined, such as a dream, peace, or a relationship.
  • Sự yên bình ở đây thật dễ bể. (The peace here is so fragile.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dễ vỡ (adj): Breakable; fragile. Often used interchangeably with "dễ bể," though "dễ bể" can sometimes imply a more brittle, snapping break, while "dễ vỡ" is more general for breaking into pieces.
• Mong manh (adj): Delicate, frail, tenuous. Often used for abstract concepts (e.g., hopes, health) but can also describe physical thinness. It emphasizes vulnerability more than the specific act of breaking.
• Giòn (adj): Crispy, brittle (for food); or a brittle, crisp sound. Used for things that break with a snap, often edible.

Synonyms

• Fragile: Easily broken or damaged.
• Brittle: Hard but liable to break or shatter easily (like dry wood or glass).
• Breakable: Capable of being broken (a more general term).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Note: "Dễ bể" is an adjective phrase, so it does not have phrasal verbs. However, here are common verb phrases related to breaking. - Làm bể: To break (something). - Đứa bé lỡ tay làm bể cái bình. (The child accidentally broke the vase.) - Bị bể: To be/become broken. - Cái đĩa bị bể khi rơi xuống sàn. (The plate broke when it fell on the floor.)

Related Idioms

• "Mong manh như bong bóng xà phòng": As fragile as a soap bubble. Used to describe something extremely delicate and easily destroyed.
  • Hạnh phúc ấy mong manh như bong bóng xà phòng. (That happiness is as fragile as a soap bubble.)
• "Dễ vỡ như thủy tinh": As breakable as glass. A simile emphasizing extreme fragility.
  • Lòng tin đôi khi dễ vỡ như thủy tinh. (Trust is sometimes as fragile as glass.)

1. fragile; brittle