The Vietnamese word "hấp hối" is a verb that means "to be about to die" or "to be in the process of dying." It describes a state of being where someone is very close to death, often experiencing great suffering or pain.
In more advanced contexts, "hấp hối" can be used metaphorically to describe situations or entities that are failing or in decline, not just in a literal sense of dying. For instance, one might say a business is "hấp hối" if it is nearing bankruptcy.
While "hấp hối" primarily refers to a physical state of dying, it can also imply emotional or spiritual suffering, depending on the context.