Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Authoritarian, domineering: Describes a person who acts in a manner intended to command excessive respect, fear, or obedience from others, often by being overbearing or using one's position of authority in an oppressive way.
   • Arrogant, haughty: Refers to a disdainful, superior attitude that looks down on others.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông giám đốc mới rất hách. (The new director is very authoritarian/domineering.)
  • Cô ấy có thái độ hách dịch với nhân viên. (She has an arrogant/haughty attitude towards the staff.)
  • Đừng có mà hách với tôi! (Don't you dare act all high and mighty with me!)

Advanced Usage

• "hách dịch": This is a common compound that intensifies the meaning, translating to "overbearing," "imperious," or "domineering." It describes a strongly arrogant and bossy manner.
  • Anh ta cư xử một cách hách dịch, chẳng ai ưa. (He behaves in an overbearing manner; nobody likes him.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hống hách (adj): Synonymous with "hách," often used in the compound "hống hách" to emphasize bullying, tyrannical behavior.
  • Kẻ hống hách (The bully / The tyrant)
• Hách dịch (adj): See "Advanced Usage" above.

Synonyms

• Độc đoán: Autocratic, dictatorial.
• Kiêu căng: Arrogant, conceited.
• Ra oai: To throw one's weight around, to act authoritatively to impress or intimidate.

Related Idioms

• Làm hách / Lên mặt hách: To put on airs, to act in a domineering or superior manner.
  • Mới lên chức đã lên mặt hách với đồng nghiệp cũ. (He just got promoted and is already putting on airs with his old colleagues.)

adj

1. authoritarian authoritative