mỏng mẻo
Definition
- Adjective:
- Very thin: Describes an object or material that has an extremely small distance between its two opposite surfaces, often implying a degree of delicacy, fragility, or insubstantiality.
- Flimsy / thin: Can describe something that is not only physically thin but also weak, lacking strength, density, or substance.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Tờ giấy này mỏng mẻo quá. (This sheet of paper is too thin.)
- Cô ấy mặc chiếc áo mỏng mẻo. (She is wearing a flimsy shirt.)
- Lý lẽ của anh ta thật mỏng mẻo. (His argument is very weak/thin.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often carries a connotation of being thin or inadequately thin, suggesting a lack of durability, protection, or solidity. It is more emphatic than the neutral word "mỏng".
Variants and Related Words
- Mỏng (adj): thin. The core, more general adjective.
- Lớp sơn mỏng. (A thin layer of paint.)
Synonyms
- Thin: having little depth or thickness.
- Flimsy: insubstantial and easily damaged.
- Sheer: (for fabrics) very thin and fine.
- Delicate: very fine or thin in texture.
Antonyms
- Dày (adj): thick.
- Dày dặn (adj): thick, substantial, sturdy.
Related Idioms
- Mỏng mẻo như cánh chuồn: as thin as a dragonfly's wing. Used to emphasize extreme thinness or delicacy.
- Chiếc áo lụa ấy mỏng mẻo như cánh chuồn. (That silk shirt is as thin as a dragonfly's wing.)