hanh hao

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The Vietnamese word "hành hạ" (often spelled "hanh hao") means to inflict suffering or to torture someone, either physically or emotionally. It is used to describe actions that cause pain, distress, or hardship to others.

Basic Explanation

• Meaning: To mistreat or cause suffering to someone.
• Usage: This word is often used in contexts where someone is being treated very poorly or is experiencing a lot of pain, either from others or from a situation.

Example

• Sentence: "Anh ta đã hành hạ con mèo."
• Translation: "He has tortured the cat."

Advanced Usage

In more complex sentences, "hành hạ" can describe not just physical torture but also emotional suffering. For example: - "Cô ấy cảm thấy bị hành hạ bởi những lời chỉ trích." - Translation: "She feels tortured by the criticisms."

Word Variants

• Hành hạ (verb): The base form of the word used to indicate the act of inflicting pain.
• Hành hạ tinh thần: This phrase means "emotional torture," referring specifically to mental or emotional suffering.

Different Meanings

While "hành hạ" primarily refers to suffering, it can also be used metaphorically to describe situations that are very difficult or stressful, even if they do not involve direct mistreatment. For example: - "Công việc này hành hạ tôi quá!" - Translation: "This job is torturing me too much!"

Synonyms

• Tra tấn: This word also means "torture" and can be used interchangeably with "hành hạ" in many contexts.
• Đày đọa: This means "to torment" and carries a similar meaning, often used in a more severe context.

Summary

"Hành hạ" is a strong word in Vietnamese that conveys the idea of suffering, mistreatment, or torture. It can be used in both physical and emotional contexts, making it a versatile term to describe hardship.

Academic

1. như hanh