tối xẩm
Definition
- Adjective:
- Pitch-dark / Very dark: Describes a state of extreme darkness where visibility is very poor or nearly impossible. It emphasizes a deeper, more profound darkness than simply "tối" (dark).
- Dusk / Twilight (in some contexts): Can refer to the dim, murky light of early evening, just after sunset.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Trời tối xẩm, chúng tôi không thể nhìn thấy đường. (It was pitch-dark, we couldn't see the road.)
- Căn phòng không có đèn, tối xẩm như mực. (The room had no light, it was as dark as ink.)
- Mới sáu giờ mà trời đã tối xẩm rồi. (It's only six o'clock but it's already getting very dark.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "xẩm" itself is often used to intensify the darkness described by "tối". The combination is a common fixed phrase.
- It can be used metaphorically to describe a situation that is unclear, gloomy, or without hope.
- Tương lai giờ tối xẩm quá. (The future looks so bleak/dark now.)
Variants and Related Words
- Tối om (adj): Also means very dark, pitch-black. A close synonym.
- Tối mò (adj): Another synonym for pitch-dark (literally, dark enough for moles).
- Xẩm tối (adj): A less common variant with the same meaning as "tối xẩm".
Synonyms
- Pitch-dark: Completely dark.
- Inky: Very dark, like the color of ink.
- Murky: Dark and gloomy, especially due to mist or lack of light.
Related Idioms
- Tối như đêm ba mươi: As dark as the night of the 30th (of the lunar month, when there is no moon). A proverb emphasizing extreme darkness.
- Đường hầm ấy tối như đêm ba mươi. (That tunnel is as dark as a moonless night.)