xít
Definition
Noun:
- Stink bug: A common name for various shield-shaped insects of the family Pentatomidae that emit a foul odor as a defense mechanism.
- A close distance / a near miss: Used colloquially to indicate something is very close or almost happened.
Adjective:
- Tight / close-fitting: Describing something that fits very snugly or narrowly.
- Stingy / miserly: Describing a person who is unwilling to spend money.
Adverb:
- Nearly / almost: Used to indicate something was on the verge of happening.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- Trong vườn có nhiều bọ xít. (There are many stink bugs in the garden.)
- Đó là một cú đánh xít. (That was a near miss / a very close shot.)
Adjective:
- Chiếc quần này mặc hơi xít. (These pants are a bit too tight.)
- Ông chủ đó nổi tiếng là rất xít. (That boss is famous for being very stingy.)
Adverb:
- Tôi xít ngã. (I almost fell.)
Advanced Usage
"xít xịt": An intensified form meaning "very stingy" or "very tight-fitting."
- Anh ta xít xịt không chịu chi tiền. (He is incredibly stingy, unwilling to spend money.)
"xít sao": To be very close or tight in monitoring or following.
- Cảnh sát xít sao đối tượng. (The police are closely tailing the suspect.)
Variants and Related Words
- Bọ xít (n): The full term for "stink bug."
- Xít xát (adj): Describing a situation that is very close or narrowly contested.
- Trận đấu có tỷ số xít xát. (The match had a very close score.)
Synonyms
- Stink bug: shield bug.
- Tight: snug, constricting.
- Stingy: miserly, parsimonious.
- Nearly: almost, practically.
Related Idioms
Xít như sam: As tight as a barnacle; used to describe something attached very closely or someone being extremely stingy.
- Nó giữ tiền xít như sam. (He holds on to money as tight as a barnacle.)
Xít đầu xít cổ: To be in very close quarters or to be locked in a tight struggle.
- Hai đội chơi xít đầu xít cổ. (The two teams are locked in a neck-and-neck struggle.)