How do you pronounce xấu như ma?

xấu như ma is pronounced /[sɐu˧˥ ɲɯ˧˧ maː˧˧]/.

What is the English equivalent of xấu như ma?

The closest English equivalent of xấu như ma is "ugly as sin / hideous".

xấu như ma

/[sɐu˧˥ ɲɯ˧˧ maː˧˧]/appearance, insult, supernatural

What does xấu như ma mean? xấu như ma is a Vietnamese moderate that translates to “ugly as sin / hideous” in English.

Literal Translation

ugly like ghost

Meaning & Usage

"ugly as sin / hideous"

Ugly as a ghost. In Vietnamese folklore, ghosts ('ma') are terrifying, grotesque beings — nothing like the transparent white-sheet ghosts of Western imagination. Being compared to one means your appearance is supernaturally bad.

Examples in the Wild

Gossiping about someone's appearance: 'Xấu như ma mà còn kiêu!' (Ugly as a ghost and still acts proud!)