đồ rẻ như rác

/ɗo˧˩ ɹɛ˧˩ ɲɨ˧˩ zak˧˥/
phrase★Intermediate— cheap and low-quality◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
Describes something as being of very low quality and value, often implying it is worthless or disposable.
Literal Meaning
Items that are as cheap as garbage.
Literal Breakdown
đồitems+rẻcheap+nhưlike+rácgarbage
◇ Mental Image
The phrase evokes the image of items that are so cheap and poorly made that they are comparable to garbage, emphasizing their lack of value.
◈ When to Use
A person might use this phrase when describing a poorly made product they purchased, or to warn others about buying low-quality items.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects a cultural emphasis on value and quality in Vietnamese society, where cheapness is often associated with poor craftsmanship and low durability.
informal

Describes items that are very cheap but of poor quality, often implying they are worthless or disposable.

Mình mua đồ rẻ như rác ở chợ, nhưng nó nhanh chóng hỏng.

I bought cheap junk at the market, but it broke quickly.

Đừng mua đồ rẻ như rác, nó sẽ không bền lâu.

Don't buy cheap junk, it won't last long.

💡

Often used to criticize products that are inexpensive but poorly made.

Related Phrases

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This phrase is often used to express dissatisfaction with low-quality products or to warn others about poor purchases.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While useful for criticism, overusing this phrase can make your speech sound overly negative or dismissive.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines 'đồ' (items), 'rẻ' (cheap), and 'rác' (garbage), emphasizing the low value and poor quality of the items.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to describe items that are inexpensive but of poor quality. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something of little value or importance.

Word Breakdown

đồ
items
root
+
rẻ
cheap
root
+
như
like
root
+
rác
garbage
root
Từ Điển Việt Anh