Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Crushed, smashed, or pulverized: Describes an object that has lost its original form and structure due to being subjected to force, pressure, or impact, resulting in small pieces or a soft, mushy state.
   • Dilapidated or ruined: Describes something (often a building or an organization) that is in a very poor, broken-down, or dysfunctional condition.
   • Intimidated or frightened: Used to describe a state of being scared or cowed, typically in the context of frightening someone, especially children.

2. Verb (colloquial):

   • To intimidate: To frighten or scare someone, making them feel timid or subdued.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Quả cà chua bị giẫm nát. (The tomato was crushed underfoot.)
  • Tờ giấy bị xé nát. (The paper was torn to shreds.)
  • Căn nhà trông rất nát. (The house looks very dilapidated.)
  • Nội bộ công ty đó hiện nay nát lắm. (That company's internal affairs are in complete disarray now.)

• Verb:

  • Đừng có nát trẻ con như thế. (Don't intimidate children like that.)

Advanced Usage

• "nát như tương": An idiom meaning "reduced to a pulp" or "mashed to a paste," used literally for food or figuratively to describe something analyzed or discussed in minute, exhaustive detail.

  • Vấn đề đã được bàn nát như tương. (The issue has been discussed inside and out.)

• "nát bét": An intensive colloquial adjective meaning "completely ruined," "totally smashed," or "in utter shambles."

  • Chiếc xe sau vụ tai nạn nát bét. (The car was completely smashed after the accident.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhàu nát (adj): Crumpled and torn; thoroughly creased and damaged.

  • Lá thư nhàu nát trong túi. (The letter was crumpled and torn in the pocket.)

• Tan nát (adj): Shattered, broken to pieces (often used for emotions or abstract things like hearts, plans).

  • Cô ấy có một trái tim tan nát. (She has a broken heart.)

Synonyms

• Crushed: Pressed with great force so as to break or destroy the structure.
• Dilapidated: In a state of disrepair or ruin.
• Pulverized: Reduced to fine particles.
• Intimidated: Frightened or made timid.

Related Idioms

• Nát như tương: See "Advanced Usage" above.
• Bàn nát ra: To discuss something meticulously and exhaustively.
  • Họ bàn nát vấn đề mà vẫn không đi đến thống nhất. (They discussed the issue exhaustively but still couldn't reach an agreement.)

adj

1. crushed