Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Rigid; inflexible: Describes a person, attitude, or system that is unwilling to change, adapt, or consider different ideas or circumstances. It implies a strict adherence to rules, principles, or methods without exception.
   • Stiff; unyielding: Can describe a physical object that is hard and lacks flexibility, though this usage is less common for this specific term.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy là một người rất cứng nhắc, không bao giờ chịu lắng nghe ý kiến của người khác. (He is a very rigid person, never willing to listen to others' opinions.)
  • Quy định cứng nhắc đó đã cản trở sự sáng tạo. (That inflexible regulation hindered creativity.)
  • Cách quản lý cứng nhắc của họ không phù hợp với môi trường năng động. (Their rigid management style is not suitable for a dynamic environment.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe bureaucratic systems, traditional thinking, or dogmatic approaches.
  • Nền giáo dục cứng nhắc cần được cải cách. (The inflexible education system needs reform.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cứng (adj): Hard, stiff, firm. The root word contributing to the meaning of inflexibility.
  • Gỗ này rất cứng. (This wood is very hard.)
• Nhắc (v): To remind, to mention. In the compound "cứng nhắc," it contributes to the sense of being fixed or unremitting.

Synonyms

• Inflexible: Not capable of being bent or altered.
• Rigid: Unable to bend or be forced out of shape; not adaptable.
• Unyielding: Not giving way to pressure; stubborn.
• Dogmatic: Inclined to lay down principles as undeniably true.

Antonyms

• Linh hoạt: Flexible, adaptable.
• Mềm dẻo: Supple, pliable (often used figuratively for attitudes).

Related Idioms

• While "cứng nhắc" itself is often used as a stand-alone descriptive term, it conveys a meaning similar to the English idiom "set in one's ways."
  • Ông ấy già và cứng nhắc rồi. (He is old and set in his ways.)