lép
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Flat; not full or plump: Describes something that is physically flattened, deflated, or not filled out, often because it is empty or underdeveloped.
- Underdeveloped; shriveled: Refers to seeds, grains, or fruits that are not fully formed, lacking a full kernel or flesh.
- (Of ammunition) Dud; a misfire: Describes a firecracker, bullet, or bomb that fails to explode.
Adjective (figurative):
- Inferior; subordinate: Describes being in a weaker, less important, or disadvantaged position compared to others.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- Hạt đậu này bị lép. (This bean is shriveled.)
- Cái túi sau khi dùng xong trông rất lép. (The bag looks very flat after being used.)
- Quả pháo này là pháo lép. (This firecracker is a dud.)
Adjective (figurative):
- Công ty của họ cảm thấy lép vế trong cuộc cạnh tranh. (Their company feels inferior in the competition.)
Advanced Usage
- "lép vế": to be in a subordinate/inferior position; to be overshadowed.
- Đội bóng đó luôn lép vế so với đối thủ truyền thống. (That team is always overshadowed by its traditional rival.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lép kẹp (adj): completely flat or deflated (emphatic form).
- Bánh xe đạp bị lép kẹp. (The bicycle tire is completely flat.)
Synonyms
- Flat: having a level surface; not curved or full.
- Shrivelled: wrinkled and contracted, especially due to loss of moisture.
- Dud: a thing that fails to work properly, especially a bomb or firework.
- Subordinate: lower in rank or position.
Related Idioms
- Chịu lép: to accept a subordinate or inferior role; to concede defeat.
- Trong thương lượng, họ đành chịu lép. (In the negotiation, they had to concede.)
adj
- flat
- ngực lépflat-chestedundevelopped