chê

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "chê" is a verb that means "to criticize" or "to make little of." It is used when someone expresses disapproval or finds fault with something or someone. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand its usage better:

Basic Usage

• Meaning: To run down, criticize, or express disapproval of someone or something.
• Example: If someone cooks a dish and you say, "Tôi không thích món này, tôi chê nó," it means "I don’t like this dish; I criticize it."

Advanced Usage

• "Chê" can also imply being overly particular or picky about something. For instance, when someone is very selective in their choices, you might say, "Người này chê ỏng chê eo," meaning "This person is very particular about details."
• In a broader sense, you can use "chê" when discussing expectations versus reality, such as in the proverb, "nói chín thì làm nên mười, nói mười làm chín, kẻ cười người chê," which translates to "if you promise ten things and do only nine, you will be criticized."

Word Variants

• Chê bai: This means to criticize harshly or to belittle someone or something.
• Chê trách: This implies more of a reprimand or scolding.

Different Meanings

• "Chê" can also refer to being dismissive about something that doesn't meet one's standards, as in "lợn chê cám," which means "the pig cares little for bran soup," indicating that something is not appreciated because of a perceived lack of quality.

Synonyms

• Phê phán: This means to critique or evaluate, often used in more formal contexts.
• Chỉ trích: This translates to "to criticize" and is commonly used in a similar context.

Conclusion

Understanding "chê" is important in Vietnamese as it reflects cultural nuances about criticism, expectations, and standards.

Academic

verb

1. To make little of, to run down
   • Nói chín thì làm nên mười Nói mười làm chín, kẻ cười người chê
     For nine things promised, one should do ten; If for ten things promised, one does only nine, one will be made little of and sneered at
   • lợn chê cám
     the pig cared little for bran soup (because of some illness)
   • chê ỏng chê eo
     to be overparticular about details of a thing to choose; to pick and choose

Idioms

• vụng múa chê đất lệch
  xem vụng