đuối

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The Vietnamese word "đuối" has a few different meanings and uses, making it versatile in conversation. Here's a breakdown for you:

Basic Meaning:

1. Doing Very Badly or Weak: When someone is described as "đuối," it often means they are struggling or performing poorly in something. For example, if a student is not doing well in their studies, you might say:

   • "Học đuối lắm" - meaning "I am doing very badly in my studies" or "I am very weak at learning."

2. Short or Insufficient: "Đuối" can also refer to something being a little short in quantity or weight. For example:

   • "Cân cam này hơi đuối" - meaning "This kilo of oranges is a little short," indicating that the weight is slightly less than expected.

Usage Instructions:

• Context Matters: Use "đuối" when discussing someone's academic performance, general well-being, or when referring to quantities that are less than what is needed.
• Tone: The tone can be critical or sympathetic depending on the context. It's often used in a casual or informal setting.

Examples:

• Academic Performance: "Em ấy học đuối, cần phải ôn tập nhiều hơn."
  (Translation: "She is doing very badly in her studies; she needs to review more.")

• Weight/Quantity: "Bánh mì này đuối quá, không đủ cho bữa ăn."
  (Translation: "This bread is too short, not enough for the meal.")

Advanced Usage:

• Metaphorical Use: In more advanced contexts, "đuối" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is overwhelmed or exhausted, for example:
  • "Tôi cảm thấy đuối sau một ngày làm việc dài." (Translation: "I feel exhausted after a long day of work.")

Word Variants:

• "Đuối sức": This phrase means "to be out of strength" or "to be exhausted."
  • Example: "Sau khi chạy marathon, tôi cảm thấy đuối sức." (Translation: "After running the marathon, I feel exhausted.")

Different Meanings:

• Context-Dependent: The meaning of "đuối" can vary based on context, from discussing academic issues to physical states or quantities. Always consider what you are referring to when using the word.

Synonyms:

• For "doing badly" in studies: "yếu kém" (weak), "kém" (bad).
• For "short" in quantity: "thiếu" (lacking), "không đủ" (not enough).

Academic

1. xem cá đuối
2. Doing very badly, very weak
   • Học đuối lắm
     To do very badly in one's studies, to be very weak at learning
3. A little short, not quite the right [weight]
   • Cân cam này hơi đuối
     This kilo of oranges is a little short