Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Chipped, nicked, damaged: Describes an object, typically made of a hard, brittle material like ceramic, glass, or stone, that has a small piece broken off its edge or surface.
   • Impaired, damaged (figurative): Describes an abstract concept, such as a relationship, trust, or reputation, that has been harmed or weakened, often implying a loss of original wholeness or perfection.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cái bát bị sứt mẻ ở vành. (The bowl is chipped on the rim.)
  • Lòng tin giữa họ đã có những vết sứt mẻ. (The trust between them has sustained some damage.)
  • Thanh danh của ông ấy bị sứt mẻ sau vụ bê bối. (His reputation was tarnished after the scandal.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used to describe damage that is minor but noticeable, affecting the integrity or appearance rather than destroying the item entirely.
• In its figurative sense, it frequently collocates with words like (feelings), (happiness), (relationship), and (trust).

Variants and Related Words

• Sứt (v): to chip, to become chipped. Often used independently for the action or result.
  • Cái đĩa bị sứt một góc. (The plate chipped on one corner.)
• Mẻ (n/v): a chip, a notch; to become notched. Can be used for a specific broken-off piece.
  • Dao bị một cái mẻ. (The knife has a notch in it.)

Synonyms

• Chipped, nicked, cracked (for physical objects).
• Damaged, impaired, marred, tarnished (for abstract concepts).

Related Idioms

• Tình cảm sứt mẻ: impaired/damaged feelings.
  • Cuộc cãi vã khiến tình cảm vợ chồng bị sứt mẻ. (The argument caused the couple's feelings for each other to become strained.)
• Hạnh phúc sứt mẻ: a damaged/impaired happiness.
  • Hạnh phúc gia đình không thể để bị sứt mẻ. (Family happiness must not be allowed to become fractured.)