nhọ mặt
Definition
- Adjective (Idiomatic):
- To be dishonored / to be disgraced: To suffer a loss of respect and honor in the eyes of society, typically due to the shameful actions of oneself or a close family member.
- To lose face: To be humiliated or embarrassed, causing one's social reputation to be tarnished.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Đứa con phạm tội khiến cả gia đình nhọ mặt. (The child committed a crime, causing the whole family to be disgraced.)
- Hành vi tham nhũng của ông ta làm công ty nhọ mặt. (His corrupt behavior brought disgrace upon the company.)
Advanced Usage
- This phrase is often used in a passive sense, describing the state of being shamed. The cause of the shame is usually introduced with prepositions like "vì" (because of) or "do" (due to).
Variants and Related Words
- Mất mặt (idiom): to lose face. This is a more direct synonym, though "nhọ mặt" often implies a deeper, more ingrained stain on honor.
- Anh ấy cảm thấy mất mặt trước đồng nghiệp. (He felt he lost face in front of his colleagues.)
Synonyms
- Dishonored: having lost honor or respect.
- Disgraced: fallen from favor or a position of honor.
- Shamed: caused to feel shame.
Related Idioms
Nhục nhã: humiliating, disgraceful (an adjective describing the feeling or event itself).
- Đó là một thất bại nhục nhã. (That was a humiliating defeat.)
Bôi nhọ: to smear, to defame (a verb meaning to actively dishonor someone).
- Báo chí đã bôi nhọ danh tiếng của ông ấy. (The press smeared his reputation.)