nhừ tử

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The Vietnamese word "nhừ tử" refers to a state of being extremely beaten, exhausted, or overdone, to the point of feeling like one is half-dead. It conveys a sense of excessive punishment or extreme fatigue.

Basic Meaning:

• Definition: "Nhừ tử" literally means "half-dead." It describes a situation where someone is beaten or punished so severely that they are on the verge of collapsing or feeling extremely exhausted.
• Usage: This phrase is often used in contexts where someone has been treated very harshly, either physically or metaphorically, such as being overworked or criticized too much.

Example:

• Sentence: "Sau một ngày làm việc vất vả, tôi cảm thấy nhừ tử." (After a hard day of work, I feel half-dead.)

Advanced Usage:

• In a more figurative sense, "nhừ tử" can be used to describe feelings of being overwhelmed or exhausted in various situations, not just physical beating. For example, one can feel "nhừ tử" after studying for long hours or dealing with stressful situations.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "nhừ tử," but it can be used with other verbs or adjectives to emphasize the state of being exhausted or beaten, such as "đánh nhừ tử" (to beat someone to the point of exhaustion).

Different Meanings:

• While "nhừ tử" primarily relates to being physically beaten or exhausted, it can also describe emotional or mental exhaustion. It can convey deep frustration or a feeling of being overwhelmed by life's challenges.

Synonyms:

• Kiệt sức: exhausted
• Mệt mỏi: tired
• Rã rời: drained or worn out

Summary:

"Nhừ tử" is a versatile word in Vietnamese that captures the essence of extreme exhaustion or punishment. It's useful when discussing situations of fatigue, whether from work, physical activity, or emotional stress.

Academic

1. Half-dead within an inch of one's life
   • Đánh nhừ tử
     To flog someone within an inch of his life