Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Flabby, flaccid, limp: Describes something soft, loose, and lacking firmness, often in an unpleasantly soggy or droopy way. It is commonly used for meat, fabric, or objects that have lost their tautness.
   • Whiny, nagging, persistently complaining: Describes a person's annoying, pleading, or fretful behavior, often in a repetitive and tiresome manner.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Physical texture):
  • Miếng thịt luộc quá lâu trở nên bèo nhèo. (The piece of meat boiled for too long became flabby.)
  • Sau cơn mưa, tờ giấy bị ướt bèo nhèo. (After the rain, the paper got wet and limp.)
• Adjective (Behavior):
  • Đứa trẻ bèo nhèo đòi mua đồ chơi. (The child was whining to buy a toy.)
  • Cô ấy bèo nhèo mãi về chuyện đó. (She kept nagging about that matter.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to intensify a state of sogginess or limpness: Often repeated or used with other words for emphasis.
  • Chiếc áo phông cũ bèo nhèo, chẳng còn form dáng. (The old T-shirt is all limp and has lost its shape.)
• Describing weak character or ineffective action: Can metaphorically describe something lacking strength, decisiveness, or impact.
  • Lời xin lỗi của anh ta nghe thật bèo nhèo và vô nghĩa. (His apology sounded very weak and meaningless.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhèo nhẹo: A variant form with the same meaning, often used to describe nagging, fretful behavior.
  • Nó nhèo nhẹo với mẹ cả buổi sáng. (He whined at his mother all morning.)
• Bèo (adj): Can mean cheap, worthless, or (in other contexts) duckweed. Not to be confused with the combined meaning in "bèo nhèo".
• Nhẽo nhèo: Similar, emphasizing a state of being overly soft, mushy, or lacking vitality.

Synonyms

• Nhũn (adj): Soft, mushy (often from being overripe or overcooked).
• Ọp ẹp (adj): Flimsy, not solid or sturdy.
• Lèo nhèo (adj): Nagging, pestering (specifically for behavior).
• Lải nhải (v): To chatter or nag incessantly.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Ăn nói bèo nhèo: To speak in a weak, unconvincing, or mumbling manner.
  • Đừng ăn nói bèo nhèo như vậy, hãy nói rõ ràng và dứt khoát. (Don't speak so weakly; be clear and decisive.)
• Tính tình bèo nhèo: Describing a personality that is indecisive, easily swayed, or lacking backbone.
  • Anh ta có tính tình bèo nhèo nên dễ bị người khác ảnh hưởng. (He has a wishy-washy personality, so he's easily influenced by others.)

1. Flabby, flaccid
   • miếng thịt bèo nhèo
     a flabby cut of meat