kẻ thua cuộc
The English word "loser" can be translated into Vietnamese as kẻ thua cuộc.
kẻ thua cuộc is used to describe someone who has lost a specific competition, game or struggle.
Meaning: person who fails to win (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kẻ (person/individual), thua (to lose) and cuộc (a match/contest/round).
Which one should you use?
While kẻ thua cuộc refers specifically to losing a contest or game, kẻ thất bại is a more heavy-handed term for a person who has failed in life or a major endeavor. Additionally, Người Bại Trận can be used to mean the defeated or the vanquished.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
kẻ thua cuộc is a relatively formal or literary way to describe a loser, often used in news, storytelling or formal commentary. Người Bại Trận is also suitable for formal discussions centered around competitive events.
Did you know?
- The word kẻ used in kẻ thua cuộc is a classifier for people that often carries a negative or derogatory connotation in modern Vietnamese.
- The word kẻ is a cognate of the Muong word ké and may be related to the Mon word for 'to write with a stylus'.
Examples in context
- Hãy tôn trọng người thua cuộc và khích lệ họ để cố gắng hơn lần sau.Respect the loser and encourage them to try harder next time.
- Các tay đua bại trận vẫn cần tinh thần thể thao cao.The vanquished racers still need to maintain a high sportsmanship spirit.
- Bạn đã thua sấp mặt trong trò chơi này.You completely lost in this game.
- Anh ấy không phải là một kẻ thua cuộc.He is not a loser.
- Trò chơi này không biến bạn thành kẻ thua cuộc.This game does not turn you into a loser.
- Đừng tự coi mình là kẻ thua cuộc.Don't consider yourself a loser.
Example conversation
Tuấn is feeling discouraged after losing a chess match.
- HươngĐừng buồn vì trận thua này.Don't be sad about this loss.
- TuấnTôi cảm thấy mình là kẻ thua cuộc.I feel like a loser.
- HươngTuấn không phải là một kẻ thua cuộc đâu.Tuan, you are not a loser.
- TuấnCảm ơn Hương, tôi sẽ cố gắng hơn.Thanks Huong, I will try harder.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuộc, kẻ, thua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
