khô kháo
Definition
Adjective: * Dry, parched, arid: Describes something that is completely devoid of moisture or liquid, often to the point of being hard, brittle, or unpleasant. It emphasizes a state of extreme dryness.
Usage
The word "khô kháo" is used to describe objects, surfaces, or conditions that are extremely dry. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a dryness that is excessive, harsh, or uncomfortable, unlike the more neutral "khô ráo" (dry and clear/fine).
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Da tôi cảm thấy khô kháo vào mùa đông. (My skin feels dry and parched in the winter.)
- Chiếc bánh mì cũ để lâu ngày đã trở nên khô kháo. (The old bread left out for days has become stale and dry.)
- Sau nhiều ngày nắng, mặt đất khô kháo nứt nẻ. (After many sunny days, the ground is parched and cracked.)
Advanced Usage
- Used figuratively to describe style or manner: Can describe a way of speaking, writing, or behaving that is perceived as dry, dull, lacking emotion or warmth.
- Bài giảng của giáo sư nghe có vẻ khô kháo và thiếu cảm hứng. (The professor's lecture sounded rather dry and uninspiring.)
Variants and Related Words
- Khô (adj): Dry. The core, more general term for dryness.
- Khô ráo (adj): Dry and clear/fine. Often has a positive or neutral connotation (e.g., dry roads, dry clothes).
- Khô cằn (adj): Arid, barren (often for land). Implies infertility due to lack of water.
- Khô héo (adj): Withered, shriveled (often for plants). Implies drying leading to death or decay.
Synonyms
- Cạn kiệt nước (phrase): Dried up, depleted of water.
- Mất hết ẩm (phrase): Lost all moisture.
Antonyms
- Ướt (adj): Wet.
- Ẩm ướt (adj): Damp, moist.
- Sũng nước (adj): Soaked, waterlogged.
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Dry
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Đường khô ráo rồi rất dễ điThe roads are dry and very passable
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