thấy mồ
Definition
- Adjective (informal, regional):
- To be extremely, terribly, or unbearably (used before an adjective to intensify it): An informal and regional intensifier, similar to "terribly" or "awfully" in English. It expresses a very high degree of a quality, often negative.
- To be so much that it becomes noticeable or overwhelming: Emphasizes that the extent of something is strikingly intense.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Trời nóng thấy mồ! (The weather is terribly hot!)
- Bài tập khó thấy mồ. (The homework is awfully difficult.)
- Cô ấy buồn thấy mồ. (She is terribly sad.)
Advanced Usage
- "thấy mồ" is almost exclusively used in spoken, colloquial Vietnamese, particularly in certain regional dialects. It is not used in formal writing.
- It functions as an adverbial intensifier and is placed after the adjective it modifies.
Variants and Related Words
- Thấy bà (adj, informal): A synonymous informal intensifier with identical meaning and usage.
- Vui thấy bà! (Terribly fun!)
Synonyms
- Terribly: in a very bad or extreme way.
- Awfully: very, extremely.
- Unbearably: to an extreme degree that is hard to endure.
Notes on Usage
- Register: Highly informal and regional. Avoid in formal contexts.
- Structure: The pattern is [Adjective] + thấy mồ. It does not stand alone.
- Connotation: Often carries a negative connotation (e.g., hot, difficult, sad) but can be used for positive adjectives for exaggerated, informal effect (e.g., – terribly fun).