nhàu nhò
Definition
- Adjective:
- Thoroughly crumpled or creased: Describes an object, typically fabric or paper, that is very wrinkled, crushed, or rumpled, often implying a state of significant disarray or damage.
- Looking worn-out and untidy: Used figuratively to describe a person's appearance as looking very tired, disheveled, or haggard.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Chiếc áo sơ mi bị nhàu nhò trong vali. (The shirt was thoroughly crumpled in the suitcase.)
- Sau đêm thức trắng, anh ta trông thật nhàu nhò. (After the all-nighter, he looked completely worn-out and untidy.)
- Tờ giấy nhàu nhò không thể đọc được. (The thoroughly crumpled paper was unreadable.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "nhàu nhò" often carries a stronger, more complete sense of crumpling than the simpler word "nhàu" (crumpled). It suggests an object is not just wrinkled but thoroughly messed up.
Variants and Related Words
- Nhàu (adj): crumpled, creased. A less intense form.
- Lá thư bị nhàu. (The letter is crumpled.)
- Nhăn nhúm (adj): wrinkled, crumpled (often used for faces or soft materials).
- Khuôn mặt nhăn nhúm. (A wrinkled face.)
Synonyms
- Crumpled: crushed so as to become creased and wrinkled.
- Rumpled: disheveled or untidy, especially with creases.
- Creased: marked with lines or folds.
- Disheveled (for appearance): untidy, disordered.
Related Idioms
- While "nhàu nhò" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, its figurative use to describe a person's exhausted appearance is common in descriptive language.