Definition

Adjective: 1. Lagging behind, underdeveloped: Describes a person, group, or country that is less advanced or has a slower rate of development compared to a general standard, common level of awareness, or overall progress. * Primary nuance: This term often implies a comparative state of being behind in terms of social, economic, or ideological progress.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Người tiên tiến dìu dắt người chậm tiến. (The advanced guide those who are lagging behind.)
  • Các nước chậm tiến. (The underdeveloped countries.)
  • Dân tộc chậm tiến. (An underdeveloped people.)
  • Thanh niên chậm tiến. (Backward youth / Youth who are lagging behind in awareness.)

Advanced Usage

• The term chậm tiến can be used in socio-political or economic contexts to describe a relative lack of development. It is important to note that in modern, sensitive discourse, more neutral terms like đang phát triển (developing) are often preferred when referring to countries.

Variants and Related Words

• Lạc hậu (adj): Backward, outdated. Often used for technology, thinking, or methods. It can be stronger and more critical than chậm tiến.
• Kém phát triển (adj): Underdeveloped, less developed. A more descriptive and commonly used alternative.
• Chậm phát triển (adj): Slow-developing. Often used in medical or specific technical contexts (e.g., - a child with developmental delays).

Synonyms

• Tụt hậu (verb/phrase): To fall behind, to lag. Focuses on the action of falling behind rather than the state.
• Lùi (verb, in context): To regress, to move backward.

Notes on Meaning

• The term combines chậm (slow) and tiến (to advance, to progress), literally meaning "slow to advance/progress."
• It can refer to both individuals/groups (in terms of ideological or social awareness) and to nations/regions (in terms of economic and technological development).
• While historically common, its usage today may carry a pejorative or judgmental tone, implying a deficiency. Context is crucial.

1. Lagging behind, underdeveloped
   • người tiên tiến dìu dắt người chậm tiến
     those who are ahead guide those who are lagging behind
   • các nước chậm tiến
     the underdeveloped countries