xớ xẩn
Definition
- Adjective:
- Differing very little / by a negligible amount: Describes a situation where there is only a very small, almost insignificant, difference between two things, such as prices, quantities, or measurements.
- Nearly the same / almost identical: Indicates that two or more items are so close in value, state, or quality that the difference is trivial or hardly worth considering.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Giá cả hai cửa hàng này xớ xẩn thôi. (The prices at these two stores differ only very slightly.)
- Hai đội có sức mạnh xớ xẩn, không biết đội nào sẽ thắng. (The two teams are almost evenly matched; it's hard to know which will win.)
- Kết quả kiểm tra của hai anh em xớ xẩn như nhau. (The test results of the two brothers are nearly identical.)
Advanced Usage
- Used primarily in comparative contexts to minimize the perceived gap between options. It often implies that the choice between them is inconsequential because the difference is so minor.
- Chọn cái nào cũng được, vì giá xớ xẩn cả. (You can choose either one, because the price difference is negligible.)
Variants and Related Words
- Xớ xẩn xớ xần: A reduplicated form for emphasis, reinforcing the meaning of a very tiny difference.
- Hai mẫu áo này đẹp xớ xẩn xớ xần, mua cái nào cũng được. (These two shirt designs are pretty much equally nice; you can buy either one.)
Synonyms
- Negligible: So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering.
- Marginal: Very small in amount or effect.
- Insubstantial: Lacking strength and solidity; very small.
- Almost the same: Nearly identical.
Related Idioms
- Xớ xẩn như nhau: An idiom meaning "as like as two peas" or "virtually the same."
- Hai đứa trẻ sinh đôi trông xớ xẩn như nhau. (The twin children look virtually the same.)