Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Stained; discolored: Describes a surface, typically fabric or material, that has become marked with dirty or colored spots that have spread and are difficult to remove. It implies a state of being soiled or tarnished, often from long-term or ingrained dirt, rust, or spills.
   • Tarnished; sullied (figurative): Used metaphorically to describe something that has been morally blemished or whose reputation has been damaged.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Khăn trải bàn hoen ố những vết rượu và mỡ. (The tablecloth is stained with wine and grease.)
  • Tấm áo cũ hoen ố vì mồ hôi. (The old shirt is discolored from sweat.)
  • Danh tiếng của ông ấy đã bị hoen ố. (His reputation has been tarnished.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "hoen ố" often carries a connotation of neglect or age, suggesting the stain is not fresh but set-in and unsightly. It is more literary than colloquial in modern usage.

Variants and Related Words

• Hoen gỉ (adj): Rust-stained; specifically discolored by rust.
  • Chiếc dao cũ đã hoen gỉ. (The old knife has become rust-stained.)
• Ố vàng (v/adj): To yellow; to become yellowed (e.g., paper, fabric).
  • Những trang sách cũ ố vàng. (The pages of the old book have yellowed.)

Synonyms

• Stained: Marked with discoloration.
• Discolored: Changed to a less attractive color.
• Tarnished: Lost luster, especially of metal; or (figuratively) damaged in quality.
• Sullied: Made dirty or impure; spoiled.

Related Idioms

• Hoen ố thanh danh: To tarnish one's good name.
  • Vụ bê bối đã làm hoen ố thanh danh của cả gia tộc. (The scandal tarnished the reputation of the entire family.)

1. Stained
   • Khăn trải bàn hoen ố những vết rượu và mỡ
     A table-cloth stained with wine and fat