khó chịu
[xɔ˧˦ t͡ɕiw˧˨ʔ]word by word
The English word nasty is translated into Vietnamese as khó chịu.
Meaning: dirty, filthy (adj)
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, other words may be more precise: Dơ bẩn can be used to describe something as filthy or dirty, whereas Xấu tính translates to mean-spirited and conveys nastiness related to personality or behavior. For expressions of intense disgust, Gớm ghiếc denotes a strong distaste or disgust.
Did you know?
- The word chịu in the phrase khó chịu comes from the same Chinese root as the word 'receive' or 'accept'.
- In Vietnamese, describing a person as khó chịu often suggests they are 'fussy' or 'hard to please' rather than just being a 'nasty' person.
- While khó chịu can describe a nasty smell, it is also the standard way to say you feel 'unwell' or 'cranky' in a physical or emotional sense.
Examples in context
- Cái mùi này thật khó chịu!This smell is really nasty!
- Thức ăn này thật gớm ghiếc!This food is really nasty!
- Tôi chỉ đùa thôi, đừng xấu tính như vậy!I'm just joking, don't be so nasty!
- Quán này thật dơ bẩn!This restaurant is really nasty (dirty)!
Example conversation
Lan and Minh are looking at a messy kitchen counter.
- LanMinh, nhìn cái bàn bếp khó chịu chưa kìa.Minh, look how nasty the kitchen counter is.
- MinhÔi, nó bẩn quá.Oh, it's so dirty.
- LanAnh hãy dọn dẹp nó ngay đi.Please clean it up right now.
- MinhĐược rồi, anh sẽ làm ngay.Alright, I'll do it now.
