The Vietnamese word "thảm hại" is an adjective that describes a situation or condition that is very pitiful, humiliating, or disgraceful. It is often used to express a sense of deep disappointment or sympathy for someone who is in a bad state or facing a difficult situation.
Usage Instructions:
Context: You can use "thảm hại" to describe both people and situations. For example, if someone is experiencing a major failure or loss, you might say they are in a "thảm hại" situation.
Tone: It carries a negative connotation, so be mindful of how and when you use it, as it may come off as harsh if used improperly.
Example:
Describing a person: "Sau khi bị thất bại trong kỳ thi, anh ấy trông thật thảm hại." (After failing the exam, he looked really pitiful.)
Describing a situation: "Tình hình kinh tế hiện nay thật thảm hại." (The current economic situation is really dire.)
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced contexts, "thảm hại" can also be used in discussions about social issues, mental health, or economic conditions to emphasize the severity of a problem. For instance: - "Nhiều trẻ em sống trong điều kiện thảm hại ở những vùng nghèo." (Many children live in miserable conditions in impoverished areas.)
Word Variants:
Thảm: This word alone can mean "rug" or "carpet" in a different context, but when combined with "hại," it takes on the meaning of being miserable or tragic.
Hại: Means "harm" or "damage."
Different Meanings:
While "thảm hại" primarily means pitiful or humiliating, it can also imply a sense of tragedy or misfortune. For example, someone might describe a film or story as "thảm hại" if it has a very sad or unfortunate plot.
Synonyms:
Khổ sở: Meaning "miserable" or "suffering."
Thê thảm: Meaning "tragic" or "miserable," often used in similar contexts.