thì chớ
Definition
- Conjunction (often used at the end of a clause):
- Not only... but also / and what's more: Used to introduce an additional, typically more severe or surprising, negative fact that compounds the first one. It expresses a sense of escalation or added reproach.
- And on top of that / To make matters worse: Emphasizes that a subsequent action or quality is worse or more unacceptable than the one already mentioned.
Usage Examples
- Conjunction:
- Đã làm hỏng việc thì chớ, còn đổ lỗi cho người khác. (Not only did he mess up the job, but he also blamed others.)
- Cháu đã đi học muộn thì chớ, lại còn quên sách vở. (You were late for school, and what's more, you forgot your books.)
- Ăn nói thô lỗ thì chớ, hắn còn chẳng biết xin lỗi. (He spoke rudely, and to make matters worse, he didn't even apologize.)
Advanced Usage
- The structure typically follows a pattern: [First fault/clause] + thì chớ, + [more severe fault/clause]. The phrase "thì chớ" acts as a pivotal connector highlighting the escalation.
- It is primarily used in reproachful, critical, or disapproving contexts to list compounding faults.
Variants and Related Words
- Không những... mà còn: A more standard, neutral conjunction for "not only... but also." Unlike "thì chớ," it is not inherently reproachful.
- Cô ấy không những thông minh mà còn rất chăm chỉ. (She is not only intelligent but also very hardworking.)
Synonyms
- Moreover (in a negative context)
- Furthermore (in a negative context)
- And what's worse
- To cap it all off
Related Idioms
- Đã... thì chớ, lại còn...: This is the full, common construction.
- Đã nghèo thì chớ, lại còn hay kêu ca. (Not only is he poor, but he also complains a lot.)