tắt nghỉn
Definition
- Adjective:
- Completely extinguished or dead: Used primarily to describe a fire, light, or flame that has gone out entirely and ceased to burn. It implies a final, absolute state with no remaining ember or spark.
- Figuratively, to die or cease abruptly: Used to describe life or vitality ending suddenly and completely, akin to "breathed one's last."
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Ngọn lửa đã tắt nghỉn, chỉ còn lại tro lạnh. (The flame was completely extinguished, leaving only cold ashes.)
- Căn bệnh khiến sinh mạng anh ấy tắt nghỉn một cách đột ngột. (The illness caused his life to be snuffed out abruptly.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "tắt nghỉn" is considered dialectal or regional in usage and carries a stronger, more final connotation than the standard word "tắt" (to turn off, to extinguish). It is often used for dramatic or literary effect to emphasize totality and irreversibility.
Variants and Related Words
- Tắt (v): to turn off, to switch off, to extinguish. This is the standard, more common verb.
- Hãy tắt đèn khi rời phòng. (Please turn off the light when leaving the room.)
Synonyms
- Extinguished: (of a fire or light) completely quenched.
- Snuffed out: ended abruptly and completely.
- Dead: no longer alive or functioning.
Related Idioms
- Tắt thở: to die, to stop breathing. This is the direct equivalent referenced in the source dictionary note ("như tắt thở").
- Cụ già đã tắt thở lúc nửa đêm. (The old man passed away at midnight.)