tèm hem
Definition
- Adjective:
- Messy, sloppy, or untidy: Describes a state of being disorganized, dirty, or carelessly arranged, often in a way that is somewhat excessive or ridiculous. It implies a lack of neatness or order.
- In a sorry or pitiful state: Can describe a person or situation that appears disheveled, worn out, or in a generally poor condition.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Căn phòng trông thật tèm hem sau bữa tiệc. (The room looked really messy after the party.)
- Nó bước vào, quần áo tèm hem đầy bùn đất. (He walked in, his clothes sloppy and covered in mud.)
- Sau trận mưa, con đường trở nên tèm hem. (After the rain, the road became a sorry, muddy mess.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "tèm hem" is often used in informal, colloquial speech to add emphasis or a tone of mild criticism or mockery towards the state of untidiness.
Variants and Related Words
- Tèm lem (adj): This is a direct variant with identical meaning and usage to "tèm hem".
- Mặt mũi nó tèm lem vì khóc. (His face was a mess from crying.)
Synonyms
- Untidy: Not neat or arranged in order.
- Messy: Dirty or untidy in appearance.
- Sloppy: Careless and unsystematic; excessively casual.
- Disheveled: Untidy, disordered (especially of hair or clothing).
Related Idioms
- Ăn mặc tèm hem: To be dressed sloppily.
- Đi làm không nên ăn mặc tèm hem. (You shouldn't dress sloppily for work.)