Definition

1. Verb:
   • To argue back / to talk back: To respond to a reprimand, order, or criticism with defiant or contradictory words, often in a petty or stubborn manner.
   • To bicker / to squabble: To engage in a minor, persistent argument, often over trivial matters.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đứa trẻ hay cự nự khi bị mẹ mắng. (The child often talks back when scolded by his mother.)
  • Hai người bạn cự nự với nhau về chuyện rất nhỏ. (The two friends bickered with each other over a very small matter.)
  • Đừng có cự nự khi sếp đã ra lệnh. (Don't argue back when the boss has given an order.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a tone of annoyance and is used to describe a somewhat disrespectful or uncooperative reaction, especially from a subordinate (like a child or employee) to a superior.

Variants and Related Words

• Cãi lại (v): to argue back, to contradict. This is a more general and common synonym.
  • Cậu bé không được cãi lại người lớn. (The boy must not talk back to adults.)

Synonyms

• To retort: to answer back sharply or wittily.
• To be contentious: tending to argue or dispute.
• To be recalcitrant: having an obstinately uncooperative attitude.

Related Idioms

• While "cự nự" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, the behavior is often described in phrases like:
  • Cãi bướng cãi cùn: to argue stubbornly and unreasonably.

    • Nó chỉ biết cãi bướng cãi cùn chứ không nghe lời. (He only knows how to argue stubbornly and doesn't listen.)