Definition

Noun: A defect, flaw, or blemish; a mark or imperfection that mars the perfection or purity of something, often abstractly referring to a shortcoming or stain on one's character or reputation.

Usage

This word is used to describe a physical imperfection on an object or, more commonly, a moral or reputational flaw in a person. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting something that detracts from overall quality or integrity. - It is typically used in formal or literary contexts. - It often appears with verbs like có (to have), để lại (to leave behind), or làm lộ ra (to reveal).

Examples

• Danh từ:
  • Viên kim cương này hoàn hảo, không có một tì vết nào. (This diamond is perfect; it doesn't have a single flaw.)
  • Quá khứ của anh ấy không có tì vết gì về đạo đức. (His past has no moral blemish.)
  • Một sai lầm nhỏ có thể trở thành tì vết trong sự nghiệp của cô ấy. (A small mistake could become a stain on her career.)

Advanced Usage

• "không tì vết": flawless, spotless, impeccable.
  • Hồ sơ của ứng viên đó gần như không tì vết. (That candidate's record is almost impeccable.)
• "tì vết trong quá khứ": a flaw/stain in one's past.
  • Anh ta luôn cố gắng che giấu những tì vết trong quá khứ. (He always tries to hide the flaws in his past.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tì (n): A less common, abbreviated form with the same core meaning as tì vết, often found in older or more literary texts.
• Khuyết điểm (n): Shortcoming, drawback, weakness (more neutral, often used for character or product flaws).
• Vết nhơ (n): Stain, blot, disgrace (stronger, with a heavier connotation of shame or dishonor).

Synonyms

• Khiếm khuyết: Defect, deficiency.
• Lỗi: Fault, error.
• Vết bẩn: Stain, smudge (more literal for physical marks).

Related Idioms

• "Mặt hoa da phấn cũng có tì vết": Even the most beautiful flower-powdered face has its flaws. (Meaning: Nothing and no one is perfect.)
• "Gương có tì thì không sáng": A mirror with a blemish does not shine brightly. (Meaning: A person with flaws cannot achieve true brilliance or clarity.)

noun

1. defect, flaw