hư nát
Definition
Adjective:
- Completely decayed or rotten: Describes an object, typically organic matter like wood or food, that has deteriorated to a state of total ruin and decomposition.
- Utterly ruined or dilapidated: Refers to man-made structures or objects that have fallen into a state of complete disrepair and collapse due to age, neglect, or damage.
Adjective (figurative):
- Morally corrupt or decadent: Used to describe institutions, systems, or moral frameworks that are perceived as thoroughly corrupt and beyond repair.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Căn nhà gỗ cũ đã hư nát hoàn toàn. (The old wooden house is completely decayed.)
- Trái cây bị bỏ quên trong tủ đã hư nát. (The fruit forgotten in the cupboard has rotted away.)
- Một chế độ hư nát cần phải được thay thế. (A decadent regime needs to be replaced.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "hư nát" often implies a final, irreversible state of ruin, stronger than just "hư hỏng" (damaged/broken) or "cũ" (old). It suggests a process of decay is finished.
Variants and Related Words
- Hư hỏng (adj): damaged, spoiled, faulty. Less severe than "hư nát".
- Chiếc xe bị hư hỏng nhẹ sau va chạm. (The car was slightly damaged after the collision.)
- Mục nát (adj): rotten, decayed (often for wood or organic material). Very close in meaning to "hư nát".
- Những thanh gỗ mục nát. (The rotten wooden planks.)
Synonyms
- Decayed: having rotted or decomposed.
- Dilapidated: in a state of disrepair or ruin.
- Decrepit: worn out or ruined because of age or neglect.
- Putrid: decaying and emitting a foul smell.
Related Idioms
- Hư nát như tương: (As rotten as fermented soybean paste) – An idiom emphasizing something is utterly and irredeemably spoiled or corrupt.
- Bộ máy đó giờ đã hư nát như tương. (That machinery is now as rotten as they come.)