Definition

1. Adjective (archaic/literary):
   • To be anxious, to be worried: Describes a state of mental unease, preoccupation, or lingering concern about something.
   • To be hesitant, to be indecisive: Conveys a sense of being torn between thoughts or options, circling a matter in one's mind without resolution.
   • To linger (of thoughts/feelings): Refers to thoughts or emotions that persist and cannot be easily dismissed.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nỗi riêng riêng những bàn hoàn. (My private feelings are full of anxious preoccupation.)
  • Lòng nàng bàn hoàn lo lắng. (Her heart was anxiously worried.)
  • Cổ nhân đã dễ mấy khi bàn hoàn. (It is not often easy to have the occasion for a leisurely conversation with an old friend. [Note: This example uses a rare, extended meaning related to "lingering" in conversation.])

Advanced Usage

• The word "bàn hoàn" is primarily found in classical Vietnamese poetry and literary texts. Its usage in modern, everyday language is extremely rare and would sound archaic or highly poetic.
• In some classical contexts, it can imply a sense of circling back to a topic, either in thought or in gentle, lingering discussion.

Variants and Related Words

• Băn khoăn (adj): to be troubled, to be unsure. This is the modern, commonly used synonym for the primary meaning of "bàn hoàn."
  • Anh ấy băn khoăn không biết nên chọn cách nào. (He is unsure which option to choose.)

Synonyms

• Anxious: feeling or showing worry, nervousness.
• Preoccupied: engrossed in thought; distracted.
• Hesitant: tentative, unsure, indecisive.
• Lingering: lasting for a long time, slow to disappear.

Related Idioms

• Bàn hoàn nỗi niềm: To be deeply preoccupied with one's thoughts and feelings (a poetic expression).
  • Suốt đêm thao thức, bàn hoàn nỗi niềm. (Sleepless all night, anxiously preoccupied with thoughts.)

1. (cũ) Be anxious, be worried