Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Restless, fidgety, uneasy: Describes a state of physical agitation or inability to keep still, often due to boredom, impatience, or discomfort.
   • Troubled, remorseful, having a troubled conscience: Describes a psychological state of unease, anxiety, or guilt about something, causing mental distress.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Physical):

  • Ngồi lâu, chân tay bứt rứt. (After sitting for a long time, his limbs felt fidgety.)
  • Cảm giác ngứa ngáy bứt rứt. (An itchy, restless feeling.)

• Adjective (Psychological):

  • Anh ấy bứt rứt vì lời hứa chưa thực hiện được. (He felt troubled because he hadn't fulfilled his promise.)
  • Trong lòng bứt rứt không yên. (His heart was uneasy and restless.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often describes a lingering, nagging feeling that is difficult to shake off. It combines sensations of physical discomfort and mental worry.
• It can be used to express a deep, internal conflict or regret, stronger than simple worry.

Variants and Related Words

• Day dứt (v/adj): To torment, to be remorseful. Often used interchangeably with the psychological sense of , but can imply deeper, longer-lasting guilt.
  • Cô ấy day dứt về quyết định của mình. (She was tormented by her decision.)

Synonyms

• Restless: Unable to rest or relax due to anxiety or boredom.
• Uneasy: Feeling anxious or troubled.
• Remorseful: Filled with regret or guilt.
• Fidgety: Inclined to make small movements, especially of the hands and feet, due to nervousness or impatience.

Related Idioms and Expressions

• Lòng bứt rứt như lửa đốt: Literally, "a heart restless as if burning with fire." Means to be extremely anxious or tormented.

  • Chờ tin con, lòng bà bứt rứt như lửa đốt. (Waiting for news of her child, her heart was as restless as if burning with fire.)

• Bứt rứt khó chịu: A common collocation emphasizing the unpleasant, irritating aspect of the feeling.

  • Cơn ngứa khiến anh bứt rứt khó chịu. (The itch made him feel unbearably fidgety and uncomfortable.)

adj

1. Fidgety, uneasy, restless
   • trong người bứt rứt
     To fidget
   • ngồi không đã lâu, chân tay bứt rứt
     after sitting idle for a long time, he fidgeted
   • điều sơ suất ấy vẫn cứ làm cho anh ta bứt rứt
     that false step of his still made him fidget
   • bứt rứt trong lòng vì không giúp được bạn
     he felt fidgety in his heart for not having been able to help his friend