sứt mẻ
Definition
- 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.)