phè
Definition
- Adverb (used as an intensifier):
- Excessively, utterly, completely: "phè" is a particle placed after certain adjectives to intensify their meaning, adding a sense of being over the top, excessive, or to the fullest extent. It is similar to English intensifiers like "dead" (e.g., dead tired), "utterly", or "completely".
Usage
- Position: "phè" is always used after the adjective it modifies. It cannot stand alone.
- Function: It emphasizes the extreme degree of the adjective's quality.
- Common Collocations: It is typically used with a limited set of adjectives describing states like fullness, boredom, or unreasonableness.
Usage Examples
- Đầy phè: To be excessively full, to be brimful.
- Bát cơm đầy phè. (The rice bowl is completely full / brimful.)
- Chán phè: To be excessively dull, to be completely fed up.
- Tôi chán phè công việc này rồi. (I am utterly fed up with this job.)
- Ngang phè: To be utterly unreasonable, extremely stubborn/obstinate.
- Anh ta thật là ngang phè! (He is so completely unreasonable!)
Advanced Usage
- "phè phè" (reduplicated form): This is a reduplicated form of "phè" that carries an even stronger, more emphatic meaning.
- Ngang phè phè: To be totally and utterly unreasonable.
- Lý lẽ của cô ấy ngang phè phè. (Her argument is completely and utterly unreasonable.)
Variants and Related Words
- Phè phè: The reduplicated, emphatic form of "phè". It functions identically but with increased intensity.
- Note: "Phè" itself is not a standalone word. It exists almost exclusively in these fixed adverbial phrases.
Synonyms (for the intensifying function)
- Quá: Too, overly. (e.g., = too full). "Phè" is more colloquial and emphatic than "quá".
- Vô cùng: Extremely, immensely. (e.g., = extremely bored). "Vô cùng" is more formal.
- Cực kỳ: Extremely. (e.g., = extremely unreasonable). "Cực kỳ" is also more standard.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Chán như gián (phè): An idiom meaning "to be extremely bored". The "phè" can be added for extra emphasis, though the idiom is common without it.
- Ngồi một mình chán như gián phè. (Sitting alone is dead boring.)
Notes on Meaning
- Specificity: "Phè" does not have multiple meanings. Its sole function is as an intensifying adverb particle.
- Register: The word is informal and colloquial, commonly used in spoken Vietnamese for emphasis. It is rarely used in formal writing.
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Excessively
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Đầy phèTo be excessively full, to be brimful
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Chán phèTo be excessively dull, to be complettely fed up
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Phè phè (láy, ý tăng)
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Khám phá thêm
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Từ chứa "phè"
