Definition

Noun: A substitute or replacement product used in place of another, typically superior or original item that has become scarce, unavailable, or too expensive. It implies a functional alternative that may have different properties or lower quality than the original.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Công ty này sản xuất thế phẩm cà phê từ ngũ cốc. (This company produces a coffee substitute from grains.)
  • Trong thời chiến, nhiều thế phẩm đã được sử dụng thay cho nguyên liệu thật. (During wartime, many substitutes were used in place of real materials.)
  • Đây chỉ là một thế phẩm rẻ tiền, không phải hàng thật. (This is just a cheap substitute, not the genuine article.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as economics, manufacturing, and history, to discuss alternative materials or goods.
• It can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the substitute is inferior or an "ersatz" product compared to the original.

Variants and Related Words

• Vật thay thế (n): A replacement item. A more general, neutral term for any substitute.
• Sản phẩm thay thế (n): Substitute product.

Synonyms

• Substitute: Something that takes the place of another.
• Replacement: An item that fills the role of another.
• Ersatz: An artificial and often inferior substitute (from German, common in English).
• Surrogate: A substitute, especially in a specific role or function.

Related Concepts

• Nguyên liệu thay thế: Alternative raw materials.
• Hàng giả: Counterfeit goods. (Note: This is different, as "thế phẩm" is a legal substitute, not a fake meant to deceive.)

noun

1. substitute