thiếu mặt
Definition
- Adjective:
- Absent; missing; not present. This is the primary and most common meaning. It describes a person or entity that is not where they are expected or supposed to be, especially in a formal or important gathering, meeting, or list.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Trong buổi họp quan trọng, giám đốc lại thiếu mặt. (During the important meeting, the director was absent again.)
- Danh sách điểm danh cho thấy có năm sinh viên thiếu mặt. (The attendance list shows five students are absent.)
- Bức ảnh gia đình sẽ không trọn vẹn nếu anh ấy thiếu mặt. (The family photo will not be complete if he is missing.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in formal, official, or written contexts (e.g., meeting minutes, reports, announcements) to note an absence. It carries a slightly more formal tone than the simpler "vắng mặt."
- It can imply a notable or regrettable absence, suggesting that the person's presence was expected or needed.
Variants and Related Words
- Vắng mặt (adj, v): Absent; to be absent. A more common and general synonym.
- Nghỉ (v): To take a day off; to be off (often with permission).
- Có mặt (adj, v): Present; to be present. The direct antonym.
Synonyms
- Absent: Not present in a place.
- Missing: Not present; absent from a group or list.
- Not in attendance: Formal way of saying not present.
Related Idioms
- Thiếu vắng: This is a close synonym but can also convey a deeper sense of loss or longing for something/someone that is missing, not just physically absent. (e.g., - Life is lacking laughter.)