Definition

1. Verb:
   • To decompose (of flesh): To rot or putrefy, specifically referring to the process where flesh becomes completely decayed or dissolved.
   • To become emaciated / to be worn to a skeleton: To become extremely thin, gaunt, or wasted away, often to the point where bones are prominent.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Thây chết trôi đã lũa. (The drifting corpse had decomposed.)
  • Đĩ lũa. ([A person] is emaciated / worn to a skeleton.)

Advanced Usage

• This word is considered archaic, literary, or highly specific in modern Vietnamese. It is primarily encountered in classical literature, historical texts, or poetic descriptions.

Variants and Related Words

• Mục nát (v): to rot, to decay (general term for organic matter).
• Rữa (v): to rot, to putrefy (often used for flesh).
• Tiều tụy (adj): haggard, gaunt, worn out (describing a person's appearance).

Synonyms

• Decompose: to rot or decay.
• Putrefy: to decay with a foul smell.
• Emaciate: to become abnormally thin due to illness or lack of food.

Notes on Usage

• The word 'lũa' is very rare in contemporary everyday language. Its first meaning is graphic and specific to the complete decomposition of flesh. Its second meaning describes a severe state of physical wasting. Learners are much more likely to encounter modern synonyms like "rữa" or "tiều tụy".