Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “mean” in Vietnamese. Whether you’re looking to express yourself formally or informally, we’ve got you covered. Here, we’ll explore various ways to convey the meaning of “mean” in Vietnamese, along with tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Mean”
When speaking formally, it’s essential to choose the right words to convey your message respectfully. Here are a few options for saying “mean” in a formal context:
Vocabulary Choices:
- Nhẫn tâm – This term suggests a deliberate intention to harm or hurt someone’s feelings. It implies a calculated act of being mean. Example: Người ta nói Anh Tuấn đã đánh mất công việc của cậu bạn cùng phòng, thực sự ông ta rất nhẫn tâm. (They say Mr. Tuan caused his roommate to lose his job, he is truly mean.)
- Cay độc – This term emphasizes the malicious nature of being mean, often involving a strong sense of bitterness. Example: Cô giáo nổi tiếng vì lời nói cay độc với học sinh trong trường. (The teacher is famous for her mean and bitter words towards students at school.)
- Ác độc – While also meaning “cruel” or “wicked,” it can be used to express someone being mean or unpleasant intentionally. Example: Anh trưởng phòng vô cùng ác độc với nhân viên của mình. (The department head is extremely mean to his employees.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Mean”
For casual conversations or when expressing your thoughts among friends, a more relaxed vocabulary is appropriate. Here are a few informal ways to say “mean” in Vietnamese:
Vocabulary Choices:
- Xấu xa – This term suggests someone acting mean or nasty. Example: Emily từ chối giúp tớ, cô ấy quá xấu xa. (Emily refused to help me, she was so mean.)
- Bụng nổ – Literally meaning “exploding belly,” it is used metaphorically to describe someone who is mean-spirited or ill-tempered. Example: Bà cô hàng xóm luôn khiến mọi người căm giận với tính cách bụng nổ của bà ấy. (The neighbor lady always makes people angry with her mean-spirited personality.)
- Lắm mưu trí – This phrase refers to someone who is cunning and often uses their intelligence for mean purposes. Example: Cậu ta đã lắm mưu trí khi cạy cửa nhà hàng xóm mình. (He was very mean when he broke into his neighbor’s house.)
3. Regional Variations
Vietnamese is a rich language with regional variations and dialects. While the vocabulary mentioned above is widely understood, it’s worth noting some regional variations:
Southern Dialect:
Southern dialect speakers might use the term “Nhọt nhẽo” to refer to someone mean, malicious, or cruel. Example: Anh ấy tưởng nhọt nhẽo mà làm cho ai cũng không thích. (He acts mean, malicious, and everyone dislikes him.)
Northern Dialect:
In the northern region of Vietnam, people commonly use the term “Khó chịu” to describe someone who is mean or unpleasant to be around. Example: Mối quan hệ giữa hai người trở nên khó chịu sau khi anh ta trở nên khá khó tính. (Their relationship became difficult after he became quite mean and difficult to deal with.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “mean” in Vietnamese. From the formal to the informal, and even regional variations, you’re ready to express yourself accurately in various contexts. Remember to choose your words carefully, but also have fun exploring and expanding your Vietnamese vocabulary!
