vô ơn
The English word "ungrateful" is translated into Vietnamese as vô ơn.
The term vô ơn is often used in a moral or judgmental sense to describe someone who fails to acknowledge a significant kindness or debt of gratitude.
Meaning: not grateful (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of vô (without/no) and ơn (favor/gratitude).
Did you know?
- The term vô ơn is often paired with the phrase vô ơn bạc nghĩa, which literally means to be ungrateful and treat a deep bond of affection like cheap silver.
- In some contexts, if you describe a person as having 'no debt' (vô nợ), it is a compliment, but calling them 'without favor' (vô ơn) is a severe social condemnation.
- While vô ơn describes the state of being ungrateful, Vietnamese uses the specific concept of ơn to describe a 'debt of gratitude' that can never be fully repaid.
Examples in context
- Đừng là một kẻ vô ơn.Don't be an ungrateful person.
- Anh ta thật vô ơn với tôi.He is so ungrateful to me.
- Cô ấy có thái độ vô ơn.She has an ungrateful attitude.
Example conversation
Hùng and Chi are discussing a former friend's behavior.
- HùngAnh ấy thật vô ơn.He is so ungrateful.
- ChiĐúng vậy, anh ấy thật tệ.That's right, he is terrible.
- HùngTôi đã giúp anh ta rất nhiều.I helped him so much.
- ChiĐừng buồn vì một kẻ vô ơn.Don't be sad because of an ungrateful person.
