Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Dirty, unwashed, not yet clean: "rếch" describes something that is dirty, soiled, or has not been washed, often specifically referring to dishes or utensils after use.
   • Untidy, grimy: It can also describe a state of general dirtiness or lack of cleanliness in an object or space.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đống bát đĩa sau bữa tiệc vẫn còn rếch. (The pile of bowls and plates after the party is still dirty/unwashed.)
  • Căn bếp này trông thật rếch, cần được lau dọn. (This kitchen looks really grimy and needs to be cleaned.)
  • Đừng để quần áo rếch lâu ngày. (Don't leave dirty clothes for a long time.)

Advanced Usage

• Implied Context: The word "rếch" is often used in the context of household chores, particularly for items that are expected to be washed, like dishes ("bát đĩa rếch"), clothes ("quần áo rếch"), or surfaces ("bàn rếch"). It implies a state that needs to be remedied by cleaning.
• Nuance: It often carries a connotation of being temporarily dirty from recent use, rather than permanently stained or filthy. It emphasizes the "unwashed" state.

Variants and Related Words

• Bẩn (adj): A more general and common word for "dirty". While "rếch" often implies "unwashed", "bẩn" can describe any kind of dirtiness.
• Dơ (adj): Another synonym for "dirty" or "unclean", similar to "bẩn".
• Chưa rửa (phrase): The literal phrase meaning "not yet washed", which is the core meaning of "rếch".

Synonyms

• Chưa sạch: Not yet clean.
• Vấy bẩn: Soiled, stained.
• Cáu bẩn: Grimy, greasy with dirt (often from accumulated grime).

Related Phrases

• Đồ rếch: Dirty/unwashed items (e.g., dishes, clothes).
  • Mẹ bảo tôi đi rửa chỗ đồ rếch. (My mother told me to go wash the dirty dishes.)
• Để rếch: To leave something dirty/unwashed.
  • Không nên để bát rếch qua đêm. (You shouldn't leave dishes dirty overnight.)

Notes on Usage

• Frequency: "Rếch" is a common word in everyday Northern Vietnamese speech, especially in domestic contexts. It is less formal than some synonyms.
• Scope: Its primary association is with items that become dirty through use and require washing (dishes, laundry). Using it for other contexts (e.g., a muddy road) might sound less idiomatic; "bẩn" or "dơ" would be more natural.

1. Dirty, unwashed, still not clean
   • Bát đĩa rếc
     Dirty bowls and plates