Definition

1. Noun:
   • Circumstances / Situation / Plight: Refers to a state of affairs, often an unfortunate, pitiable, or regrettable situation or outcome that has developed.
   • Extent / Degree (of misfortune): Denotes the level or depth of an undesirable state, typically used to emphasize how bad things have become.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ai ngờ nông nỗi này! (Who would have expected this plight!)
  • Thương thay cho nông nỗi của người phụ nữ ấy. (Pity the unfortunate situation of that woman.)
  • Đến nông nỗi này rồi còn gì để nói. (Things have come to this sorry pass; what more is there to say.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "nông nỗi" is primarily used in literary, formal, or reflective contexts to lament a situation. It often carries a tone of sorrow, regret, or resignation.
• It is frequently preceded by demonstratives like "cái" (this/that), "đến" (to the point of), or verbs like "thương" (to pity) to frame the extent of the misfortune.

Variants and Related Words

• Hoàn cảnh (n): Circumstances, situation (a more general, neutral term).
• Cảnh ngộ (n): Circumstances, plight (similar in meaning but slightly less literary than "nông nỗi").
• Tình cảnh (n): Situation, state (often difficult).

Synonyms

• Plight: A dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation.
• Predicament: An unpleasant, troublesome, or trying situation.
• Sorry state: A pitiful or regrettable condition.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Đến nông nỗi...: To have reached the point where... / To have come to such a pass that...
  • Cuộc sống gia đình anh ấy đã đến nông nỗi tan cửa nát nhà. (His family life had reached the point of complete ruin.)
• Thương nông nỗi...: To pity the plight of...
  • Thương nông nỗi đứa trẻ mồ côi. (To pity the plight of the orphaned child.)