sứt sẹo
Definition
Adjective:
- Chipped and scarred: Describes an object, typically made of hard material like ceramic, porcelain, or stone, that has small pieces broken off its edge (chipped) and shows marks or scars on its surface.
- Damaged with imperfections: Refers to something that is no longer in perfect condition due to minor breaks, nicks, or blemishes, often on its rim or surface.
Adjective (figurative):
- Flawed or tarnished: Used metaphorically to describe something abstract, like a relationship or a reputation, that has been damaged or impaired, leaving lasting negative marks.
Usage Examples
Adjective (literal):
- Cái bát cổ này đã bị sứt sẹo. (This antique bowl is chipped and scarred.)
- Mặt bàn đá bị sứt sẹo sau nhiều năm sử dụng. (The stone tabletop became chipped and scarred after years of use.)
Adjective (figurative):
- Danh tiếng của công ty bị sứt sẹo sau bê bối. (The company's reputation was tarnished after the scandal.)
- Mối quan hệ của họ đã sứt sẹo vì những lời nói dối. (Their relationship was flawed because of the lies.)
Advanced Usage
- Often used in a reduplicative form ("sứt sẹo") to emphasize a state of multiple, visible imperfections rather than a single flaw. It conveys a sense of cumulative wear and damage.
Variants and Related Words
Sứt (v/adj): to chip, to become chipped; describing a broken edge.
- Miệng ly bị sứt. (The rim of the glass is chipped.)
Sẹo (n): a scar.
- Anh ấy có một vết sẹo trên tay. (He has a scar on his hand.)
Synonyms
- Damaged: harmed or impaired.
- Marred: spoiled or disfigured.
- Blemished: marked with flaws.
Related Idioms
- Sứt sẹo tình cảm: emotional scars or a damaged relationship.
- Cuộc tranh cãi để lại cho họ những sứt sẹo tình cảm. (The argument left them with emotional scars.)