phân hào

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An extremely small unit of measurement: A traditional Vietnamese unit representing a minute division, specifically one-tenth of a "hào" and one-hundredth of a "đồng" in the old currency system. It is used metaphorically to denote something exceedingly tiny, minute, or insignificant.
    • A hair's breadth / a trifle: Used figuratively to describe an extremely small amount, degree, or detail; a minute or negligible part of something.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Không sai một phân hào nào. (Not wrong by a hair's breadth / Not the slightest error.)
    • Công việc đòi hỏi sự chính xác từng phân hào. (The work requires precision down to the last detail.)
Advanced Usage
  • The term is primarily used in literary or formal contexts to emphasize extreme precision, minuteness, or insignificance. It is often found in fixed expressions.
Variants and Related Words
  • Hào: A larger unit, one-tenth of a "đồng".
  • Ly: Another unit for small measurements, often for length.
  • : A colloquial word for a very small amount.
Synonyms
  • Iota: an extremely small amount.
  • Jot: a very small amount.
  • Whit: the smallest part or amount imaginable.
  • Hair's breadth: a very small distance or margin.
Related Idioms
  • Không sai một phân hào: To be not the least bit wrong; to be absolutely precise.
    • Bản báo cáo phải chính xác, không sai một phân hào. (The report must be accurate, without the slightest error.)
phân hào
Một người thợ kim hoàn cẩn thận cân từng phân hào vàng trên chiếc cân tiểu ly.