Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. flat
   • ngực lép
     flat-chestedundevelopped