ế

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The Vietnamese word "ế" is often used to describe something that is not sellable or is unsold. It is commonly associated with products, goods, or items that have not been sold and may imply that they are undesirable or not in demand.

Basic Meaning:

• "Ế": This word means "to not sell" or "not saleable." It indicates that an item has not been purchased or has remained on the market without finding a buyer.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "ế" when talking about items that are not selling well or are left unsold in a store. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Example:

• "Hàng này ế quá!" (This item is not selling at all!)

Advanced Usage:

• In a broader context, "ế" can be used metaphorically to describe situations or ideas that are unpopular or not accepted by the public. For instance, if a new trend or fashion is not gaining traction, you might say:
  • "Mốt này có vẻ ế." (This trend seems to be unpopular.)

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "ế," but you might come across related phrases like "ế ẩm," which means something is very stagnant or not moving at all in terms of sales.

Different Meanings:

• While "ế" primarily refers to items not selling, it can also imply a sense of disappointment regarding the lack of interest in something, whether it be a product, an idea, or even an event.

Synonyms:

• "Không bán được": This phrase translates to "cannot be sold," which is a more descriptive way to express the same idea.
• "Ế ẩm": This term indicates a lack of sales, similar to "ế" but with an emphasis on the stagnation of sales.

Academic

verb

1. do not sell; not saleable