Definition

Adjective: 1. Crumpled, creased, crushed: Describes an object, typically paper, fabric, or clothing, that has lost its smooth, flat, and neat state due to being squeezed, folded carelessly, or crushed. It implies a state of disarray and wrinkles.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Lá thư trong túi áo đã nát nhàu. (The letter in the shirt pocket was crumpled.)
  • Đừng để áo sơ mi nát nhàu như vậy. (Don't let the shirt get so creased.)
  • Tờ giấy bị vo nát nhàu và vứt vào sọt rác. (The paper was crushed into a ball and thrown in the trash.)

Advanced Usage

• Used figuratively to describe a state of exhaustion or disheartenment: While the primary meaning is physical, it can be used metaphorically to describe a person's worn-out or dispirited state.
  • Sau một ngày làm việc căng thẳng, anh ấy trông nát nhàu. (After a stressful day at work, he looked completely worn out.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhàu nát: A variant with the same meaning (crumpled, creased). The word order can sometimes be reversed.
• Nhàu: (Adjective/Verb) Wrinkled; to wrinkle. A shorter form implying a wrinkled state.
• Nhăn nhúm: (Adjective) Very wrinkled, crumpled (often for fabric or skin).

Synonyms

• Nhăn: Wrinkled.
• Quăn: Curled, crumpled (at the edges).
• Rách nát: Torn and tattered (implies damage beyond just creasing).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Nát như tương: (Idiom) Literally "crushed like fermented bean paste"; means completely crushed, smashed, or utterly defeated. This is stronger and often implies destruction rather than just creasing.
  • Chiếc xe sau vụ tai nạn nát như tương. (The car after the accident was completely smashed to pieces.)

adjective

1. crumpled