thối nát
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Corrupt, rotten (morally or institutionally): Describes a system, organization, or society that is fundamentally decayed, dishonest, and morally bankrupt from its core.
- Putrid, rotten (literally): Describes organic matter that is decomposing and emitting a foul smell. This meaning is less common in modern usage for the compound "thối nát," which is more figurative.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Bộ máy chính quyền đó đã trở nên thối nát. (That government apparatus has become corrupt.)
- Những tệ nạn ấy là biểu hiện của một xã hội thối nát. (Those social evils are manifestations of a rotten society.)
- Mùi thối nát bốc lên từ đống rác. (A putrid smell rose from the garbage pile.)
Advanced Usage
- Used primarily as a strong, condemnatory term for systemic moral and ethical decay, rather than for individual minor faults.
- Often applied to political regimes, bureaucratic systems, or social orders perceived as irredeemably dishonest or degenerate.
Variants and Related Words
Thối (adj): To be rotten, to stink (can be used for both literal smells and figurative corruption).
- Thịt thối. (Rotten meat.)
- Đồng tiền thối. (Dirty money.)
Nát (adj): To be crushed, smashed, or broken into pieces. In "thối nát," it intensifies the sense of complete breakdown.
Synonyms
- Corrupt: Marked by immorality and dishonesty.
- Rotten: Morally corrupt or decomposing.
- Decadent: Characterized by moral or cultural decline.
- Putrid: In a state of decay and smelling foul.
Related Idioms
- Thối nát đến tận xương tủy: To be rotten to the core.
- Tổ chức ấy thối nát đến tận xương tủy. (That organization is rotten to the core.)