kém cạnh

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The Vietnamese phrase "kém cạnh" can be understood as "to be treated as second fiddle" or "to be in a subordinate position." It implies that someone or something is not as important, valued, or successful as another person or thing, often leading to feelings of inferiority or being overlooked.

Basic Explanation:

• Meaning: When someone or something is "kém cạnh," they are often seen as less significant or less impressive compared to someone else. This can happen in various contexts, like in relationships, work, or social situations.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "kém cạnh" to describe how someone feels in a comparison with others, or how they are perceived in social or professional settings.

Example Sentence:

• "Đi đâu cũng kém cạnh" translates to "to be treated as second fiddle wherever one goes." This means that no matter where you are, you feel like you are always in a lesser position compared to others.

Advanced Usage:

• In a more complex context, you might say, "Trong nhóm này, tôi luôn cảm thấy kém cạnh so với các đồng nghiệp của mình," which means "In this group, I always feel second fiddle compared to my colleagues." This shows a deeper emotional connection to the feeling of being overlooked.

Word Variants:

• "Kém" means "less" or "inferior."
• "Cạnh" means "edge" or "side," but in this phrase, it refers to the comparison aspect.

Different Meanings:

While "kém cạnh" primarily means being second fiddle, it can also imply a sense of competitiveness, where one feels they cannot compete effectively against others.

Synonyms:

• "Thua kém" which means "to be inferior."
• "Thấp kém" which can mean "lower" or "lesser."

Summary:

In summary, "kém cạnh" is a phrase that encapsulates feelings of inferiority and being overshadowed by others.

Academic

1. Be treated as second fiddle
   • Đi đâu cũng kém cạnh
     To be treated as second fiddle wherever one goes