Definitions

1. Adjective:
   • Torn to pieces, severely torn: Describes an object, especially fabric, paper, or similar material, that is ripped apart into multiple pieces or is in a state of extreme disrepair and fragmentation.
   • Tattered, in tatters: Indicates a state of being badly worn out, frayed, and broken apart from extensive use or damage.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Quyển sách cũ đã rách nát sau nhiều năm sử dụng. (The old book was torn to pieces after many years of use.)
  • Chiếc áo của anh ấy trông rất rách nát. (His shirt looks very tattered.)
  • Lá cờ bay phấp phới cho đến khi nó trở nên rách nát. (The flag fluttered until it became tattered.)

Advanced Usage

• Used figuratively to describe abstract concepts: Can describe something non-physical that is severely damaged, broken down, or dysfunctional.
  • Kế hoạch của họ đã hoàn toàn rách nát. (Their plan was completely in tatters/had completely fallen apart.)
  • Những lời hứa rách nát chẳng có giá trị gì. (Tattered promises are worthless.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rách (verb/adjective): To tear; torn. A simpler, less severe state than "rách nát".
  • Tờ giấy bị rách một góc. (The paper is torn at a corner.)
• Nát (adjective): Crushed, mashed, pulverized. Often used for things that are broken into small pieces.
  • Chiếc bánh bị nát. (The cake is crushed.)
• Tả tơi (adjective): Ragged, tattered. A close synonym, often emphasizing a scattered, messy state.
  • Quần áo tả tơi. (Tattered clothes.)

Synonyms

• Tattered: Worn and torn; in ragged condition.
• In shreds: Torn into long, narrow pieces.
• In tatters: Badly torn or completely ruined.
• Frayed: Worn and unravelled at the edge.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Rách như tổ đỉa: (Idiom) Literally "torn like a leech's nest". Means extremely tattered and in very poor condition.
  • Chiếc áo này rách như tổ đỉa rồi. (This shirt is completely in tatters.)
• Nát như tương: (Idiom) Literally "mashed like fermented soybean paste". Means crushed or smashed to a pulp. While "nát" is part of the compound, this idiom focuses on the "mashed" state rather than "torn".
  • Chiếc xe bị nát như tương sau vụ tai nạn. (The car was smashed to pieces after the accident.)

1. Torn to pieces