The Vietnamese word "nhuốc nhơ" can be translated as "dirty" or "filthy" in English. It describes something that is not clean and can refer to physical dirtiness or, in a more abstract sense, moral or ethical dirtiness.
In more advanced contexts, "nhuốc nhơ" can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or behavior that is morally corrupt. For example, you might say: - "Cách mà họ làm việc là nhuốc nhơ." (The way they conduct their business is unethical.)
While "nhuốc nhơ" is a fixed phrase, it can be broken down into two parts: - "nhuốc" can refer to being smeared or stained. - "nhơ" often relates to dirt or filth.