thối rữa
Definition
- Adjective:
- Rotten / Putrid / Decomposed: Describes organic matter, such as food, plants, or flesh, that is in an advanced state of decay, often emitting a foul smell.
- Morally Corrupt / Decadent: Used figuratively to describe systems, organizations, or societies that are deeply corrupt, degenerate, or morally bankrupt.
Usage Examples
- Adjective (Literal):
- Mùi thịt thối rữa lan tỏa trong không khí. (The smell of rotten meat spread through the air.)
- Những trái cây này đã thối rữa và không thể ăn được. (These fruits have decomposed and are inedible.)
- Adjective (Figurative):
- Chế độ đó đã trở nên thối rữa từ bên trong. (That regime has become rotten from within.)
- Những tư tưởng thối rữa cần phải bị loại bỏ. (Those decadent ideas must be eliminated.)
Advanced Usage
- "thối rữa" as a state: Often used to emphasize a complete and irreversible state of decay.
- Cả khu rừng ngập mặn đang dần thối rữa vì ô nhiễm. (The entire mangrove forest is gradually rotting due to pollution.)
Variants and Related Words
- Thối (adj): Rotten, spoiled. A simpler, more common term for decay, often without the same intensity or figurative breadth as "thối rữa."
- Sữa này đã thối. (This milk has gone bad.)
- Mục rữa (adj): Rotten, decayed (often for wood or plant matter).
- Những khúc gỗ mục rữa. (The rotten logs.)
Synonyms
- Rotten: In a state of decomposition.
- Putrid: Decaying and emitting a fetid smell.
- Decayed: Having rotted.
- Corrupt: Marked by immorality and dishonesty (figurative).
Related Idioms
- Thối nát: Synonymous with "thối rữa" in its figurative sense, emphasizing deep-rooted corruption.
- Bộ máy quan liêu thối nát. (A rotten bureaucratic apparatus.)