mài mòn
Definition
- Verb:
- To wear down / to wear away: The primary meaning refers to the gradual erosion or reduction of a material's surface through persistent friction or rubbing.
- To grind down / to abrade: This describes the action of causing something to become thinner, smoother, or smaller through a continuous grinding or scraping process.
- To erode (figurative): Used metaphorically to describe the slow, gradual diminishment of non-physical things, such as patience, resolve, or hope.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Nước chảy đá mòn. (Constant dripping wears away a stone.)
- Bánh xe bị mài mòn sau hành trình dài. (The tire was worn down after the long journey.)
- Sự thờ ơ của anh ấy đã mài mòn tình cảm của cô. (His indifference wore away her affection.)
Advanced Usage
- Technical/Mechanical Context: In engineering, "mài mòn" describes abrasive wear on machine parts.
- Ma sát liên tục gây mài mòn trục kim loại. (Continuous friction causes abrasion of the metal shaft.)
Variants and Related Words
- Mòn (adj): worn out, worn down.
- Đôi giày đã cũ mòn. (The shoes are old and worn out.)
- Mài (v): to sharpen, to grind.
- Anh ấy mài con dao cho sắc. (He sharpens the knife to make it sharp.)
Synonyms
- To erode: to gradually wear away.
- To abrade: to scrape or wear away by friction.
- To wear down: to reduce or weaken through persistent pressure.
Related Idioms
- Mài mòn ý chí: to wear down someone's will.
- Công việc nhàm chán mài mòn ý chí của anh ta. (The boring work wore down his will.)
- Mòn mỏi chờ đợi: to wait until one is worn out (from waiting).
- Cô ấy mòn mỏi chờ đợi tin tức. (She waited wearily for news.)