kẻ hợm hĩnh
The English phrase 'snob' is translated into Vietnamese as kẻ hợm hĩnh.
kẻ hợm hĩnh is used to describe a person who seeks to be a member of the upper classes.
Meaning: person who seeks to be a member of the upper classes (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of kẻ, which means a person or individual (often with a derogatory connotation) and hợm hĩnh, which means snobbish or pretentious.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
kẻ hợm hĩnh is informal and carries a strong negative and judgmental tone used to criticize someone's character.
How does it change in a sentence?
kẻ hợm hĩnh is a noun phrase and does not change its form based on number. To say 'snobs' (plural), you would typically add a quantifier like những before it.
Did you know?
- The word kẻ is a cognate with the Muong word ké and may be related to the Mon word ကေဟ်, which means 'to write with a stylus'.
- The word kẻ is also used in the name of the ancient citadel Kẻ Chợ, the old name for the commercial area of Hanoi.
- In Vietnamese, the word hợm can also relate to a sense of being puffed up or swollen, describing a person who is 'inflated' with pride.
Examples in context
- Tôi không thích nói chuyện với người kiêu căng như cậu.I don't like talking to an arrogant person like you.
- Ông chủ quán hàng đó thật là kẻ hống hách.That shop owner is truly a snobbish person.
- Anh ta là một kẻ hợm hĩnh.He is a snob.
- Đừng làm một kẻ hợm hĩnh như vậy.Don't be such a snob.
- Cô ấy bị coi là kẻ hợm hĩnh.She is considered a snob.
Example conversation
Chi and Minh are discussing a person they met at a party.
- ChiAnh ta có vẻ là một kẻ hợm hĩnh.He seems to be a snob.
- MinhĐúng vậy, anh ấy chỉ thích nói chuyện với người giàu.True, he only likes talking to rich people.
- ChiThật là một kẻ hợm hĩnh khó chịu.What an annoying snob.
- MinhTôi cũng thấy vậy.I think so too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kẻ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
