cải mả

Friendly

The Vietnamese phrase "cải mả" literally translates to "grave vegetables," but in a more colloquial sense, it refers to "irregular and stained teeth." It’s an informal expression often used to describe teeth that are discolored, crooked, or generally not well-maintained.

Explanation:

• Usage: "Cải mả" is used in informal conversations, often humorously or lightly, to refer to someone’s teeth. It’s not a formal term and might be considered teasing or joking, so be careful about when and how you use it.

Example:

• If you see a friend who hasn’t brushed their teeth in a while, you might say: "Trời ơi, nhìn răng bạn như cải mả vậy!" (Oh my, your teeth look like grave vegetables!)

Advanced Usage:

• In a more metaphorical sense, "cải mả" can be used to describe anything that looks unkempt or not taken care of. For instance, you could say, "Căn phòng này như cải mả!" (This room looks like grave vegetables!) to describe a messy room.

Word Variants:

• There aren't many direct variants of "cải mả," but you might encounter related expressions regarding dental health or personal care.

Different Meanings:

• While "cải mả" primarily focuses on teeth, it can also imply neglect in appearance or hygiene in a broader context, as mentioned above.

Synonyms:

• Other informal terms that might be used to describe bad teeth or poor oral hygiene include "răng sâu" (decayed teeth) or "răng hỏng" (broken teeth), but these are more straightforward and less humorous than "cải mả."

Note:

When using "cải mả," keep in mind that it can be seen as a light-hearted joke among friends, but it might offend someone if used in a serious context.

Academic

1. như cải táng
   • răng cải mả
     irregular and stained teeth