Significado
Having no money at all.
Contexto cultural
The 'áo tơi' (palm-leaf raincoat) was a symbol of the Vietnamese peasantry for centuries. It represents a time when people lived in close harmony with nature and had very few material possessions. Malabar spinach (mồng tơi) is a very common, easy-to-grow vegetable in Vietnam. It is often associated with simple, home-cooked meals of the working class. Vietnamese people often use self-deprecating humor about money to avoid appearing boastful or to build rapport with others who might be struggling. Modern youth often shorten the idiom or combine it with other slang, showing how traditional idioms adapt to the digital age.
Use for humor
This idiom is best used to make light of a bad financial situation with friends.
Avoid in business
Never use this in a professional email or meeting; it sounds too 'street.'
Significado
Having no money at all.
Use for humor
This idiom is best used to make light of a bad financial situation with friends.
Avoid in business
Never use this in a professional email or meeting; it sounds too 'street.'
The 'Lá hẹ' extension
If you want to sound really native, add 'rơi lá hẹ' at the end for extra rhythmic flair.
Empathy
When someone uses this to describe themselves, respond with empathy, e.g., 'Khổ thân thế!' (How pitiful!).
Teste-se
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Tôi không thể đi du lịch vì tôi đang nghèo ___ ___ ___.
The standard idiom is 'nghèo rớt mồng tơi.'
Which situation is appropriate for using 'nghèo rớt mồng tơi'?
Bạn nên dùng cụm từ này khi nào?
This is an informal idiom best suited for casual conversations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tối nay đi xem phim không? B: ________. Tao còn chưa có tiền đóng tiền nhà đây.
The context of not having rent money fits the idiom for being dirt poor.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
3 exerciciosTôi không thể đi du lịch vì tôi đang nghèo ___ ___ ___.
The standard idiom is 'nghèo rớt mồng tơi.'
Bạn nên dùng cụm từ này khi nào?
This is an informal idiom best suited for casual conversations.
A: Tối nay đi xem phim không? B: ________. Tao còn chưa có tiền đóng tiền nhà đây.
The context of not having rent money fits the idiom for being dirt poor.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it's Malabar spinach, a common green in Vietnamese soup.
No, it's usually for individuals or families. For a company, use 'phá sản' (bankrupt).
It can be if used to mock someone. It's safe when used for yourself.
It's the collar or the hem made of fiber that holds the leaves together.
Use 'Tôi đang gặp khó khăn về tài chính.'
No, the phrase is always used in full.
Yes, very common for 'end-of-the-month' broke status.
Absolutely, it's a classic that never goes out of style.
It means to fall or to drop.
Yes, it fits very well in folk-style poetry.
Frases relacionadas
Nghèo xơ xác
synonymTattered poor
Cháy túi
similarBurnt pocket (broke)
Giàu nứt đố đổ vách
contrastSo wealthy the walls are cracking
Nghèo kiết xác
similarMiserably poor
Tay trắng
builds onWhite hands (empty-handed)
