The Vietnamese word "hôi tanh" is used to describe something that has a very strong and unpleasant smell, often associated with decay or rot. It is typically used for things that are spoiled or have gone bad, like fish or meat that is no longer fresh. Additionally, "hôi tanh" can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or behavior that is considered disreputable or morally low.
In more advanced contexts, "hôi tanh" can be combined with other words to form phrases that emphasize the degree of unpleasantness or moral degradation. For instance: - "Hôi tanh của tham nhũng" (The stench of corruption) refers to the negative connotations associated with corrupt practices.
While "hôi tanh" primarily refers to bad smells and disreputable behavior, the combination of the two words can evoke a strong emotional response, suggesting not just a smell, but an overall negative atmosphere about a person, place, or situation.