đê hạ
Definition
- Adjective (archaic):
- Vile; base; lowly: Describes a person, action, or characteristic that is morally despicable, lacking in dignity, or of very low social standing. It conveys strong contempt.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Hắn là một kẻ đê hạ, không xứng để nói chuyện. (He is a vile person, not worthy of conversation.)
- Những hành động đê hạ đó bị mọi người lên án. (Those base actions were condemned by everyone.)
Advanced Usage
- This term is primarily found in classical or literary Vietnamese and is used for strong, dramatic condemnation. In modern spoken language, synonyms like "thấp hèn" or "đê tiện" are more common.
Variants and Related Words
Đê tiện (adj): Mean, despicable, ignoble. This is the modern and more frequently used term.
- Lời nói dối đó thật đê tiện. (That lie was truly despicable.)
Hèn hạ (adj): Cowardly and base, ignoble.
- Thái độ hèn hạ của hắn thật đáng khinh. (His cowardly and base attitude is truly contemptible.)
Synonyms
- Vile: Morally reprehensible.
- Base: Lacking higher values; morally low.
- Despicable: Deserving hatred and contempt.
- Ignoble: Not honorable in character or purpose.
Related Idioms
- Đê hạ tiện nhân: A vile and lowly person. This phrase reinforces the contempt inherent in the word.
- Hắn chẳng qua chỉ là một đê hạ tiện nhân. (He is merely a vile and lowly person.)