Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lowly, base, or vile: Describes a person, character, or action that is morally contemptible, lacking in dignity, or deserving of scorn.
   • Humble or mean in status: Refers to being of low social rank, poor, or insignificant.
   • Cowardly or faint-hearted: Characterizes a person who lacks courage, is timid, or easily frightened in a way that invites disdain.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Hắn là một kẻ hèn. (He is a base/vile person.)
  • Xuất thân từ một gia đình hèn. (To come from a humble/poor family.)
  • Đừng có hèn như vậy! (Don't be such a coward!)

Advanced Usage

• "hèn mọn": petty, insignificant, lowly. Often used to emphasize worthlessness or low status.

  • Công việc hèn mọn. (A menial/lowly job.)

• "hèn nhát": cowardly, craven. A strong term for describing a severe lack of bravery.

  • Thái độ hèn nhát không thể chấp nhận được. (Such a cowardly attitude is unacceptable.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hèn hạ (adj): despicable, ignoble, degrading. Often implies a loss of honor or self-respect.

  • Hành động hèn hạ. (A despicable action.)

• Thứ hèn (n): a wretch, a base person. A noun form used as a derogatory term.

Synonyms

• Base: lacking moral principles.
• Lowly: of humble rank or condition.
• Cowardly: lacking courage.
• Despicable: deserving hatred and contempt.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Tài hèn sức mọn: (to have) meager talent and limited strength; to be of modest ability.

  • Chỉ với tài hèn sức mọn, tôi sẽ cố gắng hết sức. (With my meager abilities, I will try my best.)

• Hèn với chó, sang với người: (to be) mean to dogs but obsequious to people. Criticizes someone who bullies the weak but flatters the powerful.

adj

1. base; vile
2. Humble, mean, poor
   • Tài hèn sức mọn
     To have a poor talent hearted, cowardly
   • Thanh niên trai tráng gì mà hèn thế
     What a chicken heated sturdy youth!