Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Very thin, extremely thin: Describes an object with minimal thickness, often to an extreme degree, suggesting it is delicate, insubstantial, or flimsy.
   • Paper-thin, gossamer: Emphasizes a lack of density or substance, similar to the thinness of tissue paper or a delicate film.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Giấy cuốn thuốc lá mỏng dính. (The cigarette rolling paper is extremely thin.)
  • Chiếc áo mưa này mỏng dính, chắc sẽ rách mất. (This raincoat is flimsy; it will probably tear.)
  • Tường phòng ngủ mỏng dính, nghe rõ mọi tiếng động. (The bedroom wall is paper-thin; every sound can be heard.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to express criticism or disappointment regarding the poor quality or insubstantial nature of an item.

  • Lớp sơn mỏng dính, gỗ bên dưới lộ ra ngay. (The coat of paint is terribly thin; the wood underneath shows immediately.)

• Can be used figuratively to describe something weak, insincere, or lacking depth.

  • Lời xin lỗi của anh ta mỏng dính, chẳng có chút thành ý. (His apology was paper-thin, without a shred of sincerity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mỏng (adj): Thin. The root adjective without the intensifier.

  • Tờ giấy này rất mỏng. (This sheet of paper is very thin.)

• Mỏng manh (adj): Thin and fragile, delicate; often used for abstract concepts like health, peace, or emotions.

  • Sức khỏe của bà ấy rất mỏng manh. (Her health is very fragile.)

Synonyms

• Paper-thin: Extremely thin, like paper.
• Flimsy: Light and insubstantial; easily damaged.
• Gossamer: Very light, thin, and delicate.
• Sheer: Very thin and fine, almost transparent.

Related Idioms and Expressions

• Mỏng như tờ giấy: As thin as a sheet of paper. A simile reinforcing the same meaning.

  • Miếng vải này mỏng như tờ giấy. (This piece of cloth is as thin as a sheet of paper.)

• Mỏng dính, nhẹ tênh: A common paired phrase meaning "extremely thin and very light," emphasizing both qualities.

  • Chiếc khăn lụa mỏng dính, nhẹ tênh. (The silk scarf is gossamer-thin and feather-light.)

1. Very thin, flimsy
   • Giấy cuốn thuốc lá mỏng dính
     Very thin cigarette paper