tay trắng

[taj˧˧ t͡ɕaŋ˧˦]

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

(noun) the state of having no money

Noun

Where it’s used: Used Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora

Examples

Ông gây dựng cơ nghiệp này bằng hai bàn tay trắng.He built this business with his bare hands.
Hắn suốt ngày đàn đúm rượu chè, cờ bạc, giờ chỉ còn lại hai bàn tay trắng.He always indulged in alcoholism and gambling, and he wound up empty-handed

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sources & notes

Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗

Common questions

What does “tay trắng” mean?

(noun) the state of having no money

Is “tay trắng” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.