Definition

1. Adjective (describing a person's physical state):
   • Physically depleted or worn out: Describes a state of extreme physical exhaustion and fatigue, often to the point where one feels weak, drained, and noticeably lacking in energy. It implies a deep, bodily tiredness.
   • Emaciated or haggard: Can describe a physical appearance that has become thin, gaunt, or weakened due to overwork, illness, or prolonged strain.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Làm việc liên tục mấy ngày, tôi thấy rạc người. (Working continuously for several days, I feel completely worn out.)
  • Sau trận ốm nặng, anh ấy trông rạc người hẳn đi. (After the serious illness, he looks much more emaciated.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used to emphasize the physical consequence of an activity, typically overexertion. It is stronger than simply feeling tired ("mệt").
• It can be used in a comparative sense to describe a visible change in someone's physical condition.

Variants and Related Words

• Kiệt sức (adj/phrase): exhausted, depleted of strength. A close synonym often used interchangeably with "rạc người."
  • Công việc khiến cô ấy kiệt sức. (The work left her exhausted.)

Synonyms

• Worn out
• Drained
• Emaciated (for the aspect of appearing thin and weak)
• Haggard
• Fatigued

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Làm đến rạc người: To work until one is completely worn out/emaciated. This is a common collocation that directly captures the cause-and-effect relationship.
  • Ông ấy làm việc đến rạc người để nuôi gia đình. (He worked himself to the bone to support his family.)