Definition

Adverb (used less commonly; limited combinations) 1. Brazenly, shamelessly, impudently: Describes an action performed with insolent boldness, especially when one is clearly in the wrong. It implies a lack of shame or respect for propriety or truth.

Usage

The word bây is a colloquial and somewhat archaic adverb in Vietnamese. Its usage is highly restricted and typically found in fixed expressions, most commonly paired with the verb cãi (to argue). It describes the manner of arguing or acting with defiant shamelessness.

Examples

• Đã trái lý còn cãi bây. (Though in the wrong, he still argued brazenly.)
• Biết sai rồi còn cãi bây. (Knowing it's wrong, yet you still argue shamelessly.)

Advanced Usage / Fixed Expressions

• cãi bây: to argue brazenly/shamelessly.
  • This is the primary and most common collocation for bây.
• giữ thói bài bây: to keep up a brazen, stubborn habit.
  • This is a less common, idiomatic expression.

Variants and Related Words

• Bướng bỉnh (adj): stubborn, obstinate. (Focuses on stubbornness rather than shamelessness).
• Trơ tráo (adj): brazen-faced, shameless. (An adjective describing the person's character or expression).
• Liều lĩnh (adj): reckless, rash. (Focuses on recklessness rather than verbal impudence).

Synonyms

• Trắng trợn: blatantly, flagrantly.
• Xấc xược: insolently, impudently.

Notes on Usage

Bây is considered informal (thgtục - vulgar/colloquial) and is rarely used in modern standard Vietnamese outside of the set phrase cãi bây. It carries a strong negative connotation of disrespect and defiance against reason or authority.

1. (ít dùng; kết hợp hạn chế) Brazen
   • Đã trái lý còn cãi bây
     Though in the wrong, he still brazenly argued