kiệt

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The Vietnamese word "kiệt" has several meanings and uses, making it quite versatile. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it better:

Basic Meaning

"Kiệt" often refers to exhaustion or depletion. It can describe a state where something is fully used up, whether it be energy, resources, or money.

Usage Instructions

You can use "kiệt" in various contexts, particularly when you want to express that something is emptied, exhausted, or has reached its limit. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Vietnamese.

Examples

1. Kiệt đến nỗi đếm từng quả cà muối - This phrase means "to be so exhausted that one counts every salted egg-plant." It implies a state of extreme scarcity or careful management of resources.
2. Kiệt tiền - This means "to have exhausted one's money" or "to be broke." It conveys the idea of running out of financial resources.
3. Giếng khô kiệt - This translates to "an exhausted well." It indicates that a well has run dry and no longer provides water.

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "kiệt" can be used metaphorically to describe situations where potential or talent has been fully utilized or where a person feels mentally or emotionally drained. For example: - Kiệt sức - Meaning "exhausted" or "worn out," can refer to physical fatigue or mental burnout.

Word Variants

• Kiệt sức - This combines "kiệt" with "sức" (strength), emphasizing a state of physical or mental exhaustion.
• Kiệt tác - This means "masterpiece," where "kiệt" refers to something outstanding or exceptional, showing a different use of the root word.

Different Meanings

While "kiệt" primarily denotes exhaustion or depletion, it can also imply excellence or something being exceptional when used in conjunction with other words (like in “kiệt tác”).

Academic

1. Mean
   • Kiệt đến nỗi đếm từng quả cà muối
     To be so means as to count every salted egg-plant
2. Exhaust
   • Kiệt tiền
     To have exhausted one's money, to be cleaned out
   • Giếng khô kiệt
     An exhausted well