nghiệt
Definition
- Adjective:
- Harsh; severe; cruel: Describes a person's character, attitude, or a situation that is extremely strict, unforgiving, or unkind.
- Bitter; unkind (of speech or words): Refers to remarks or language that are cutting, sarcastic, or malicious.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Ông chủ đó nổi tiếng là rất nghiệt. (That boss is famous for being very harsh.)
- Số phận thật nghiệt ngã. (Fate is truly cruel.)
- Anh ta đáp lại bằng một giọng nghiệt ngã. (He replied in a bitter tone.)
Advanced Usage
"nghiệt ngã": An intensified form meaning extremely harsh, cruel, or merciless, often used to describe fate, life, or circumstances.
- Cuộc sống nơi đây vô cùng nghiệt ngã. (Life here is extremely harsh.)
"nói nghiệt": To speak harshly or unkindly.
- Đừng nói nghiệt với con như vậy. (Don't speak so harshly to your child.)
Variants and Related Words
- Nghiệt ngõng (adj): An older or less common variant similar to "nghiệt ngã," meaning harsh and unreasonable.
Synonyms
- Cruel: Willfully causing pain or suffering to others.
- Harsh: Unpleasantly rough or severe.
- Severe: Very strict or extreme.
- Bitter: Characterized by strong resentment or cynicism.
Related Idioms
- "Ác nghiệt": Combines "ác" (evil/wicked) and "nghiệt" to mean profoundly cruel or vicious.
- Hành động ác nghiệt đó không thể tha thứ. (That vicious act is unforgivable.)