lũa
Definition
- 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".