chạy nhăng
Definition
- Intransitive verb:
- To run around aimlessly, to run about without purpose: "chạy nhăng" describes the action of running or moving around in a haphazard, disorganized, or purposeless manner, often implying a lack of direction or serious intent. It can be used for both children and adults.
Usage
- This verb is typically used to describe physical movement that is random, chaotic, or without a clear goal. It often carries a slightly negative or disapproving connotation, suggesting wasted energy or a lack of focus.
- It is commonly used in informal contexts.
Usage Examples
- Intransitive verb:
- Mấy đứa trẻ cứ chạy nhăng ngoài sân suốt buổi chiều. (The children have been running around aimlessly in the yard all afternoon.)
- Đừng có chạy nhăng trong nhà, nguy hiểm lắm. (Don't run around aimlessly in the house; it's very dangerous.)
- Anh ấy chẳng làm gì cả, chỉ chạy nhăng ngoài phố. (He doesn't do anything, just runs around aimlessly on the streets.)
Advanced Usage
- The term emphasizes the lack of purpose. It is stronger than simply "chạy" (to run) because it adds the meaning of randomness and pointlessness.
- It can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe engaging in various activities without a clear plan or achieving nothing substantial.
- Cả ngày anh ta chạy nhăng tìm việc mà chẳng được việc gì. (He spent the whole day running around aimlessly looking for a job but got nothing.)
Variants and Related Words
- Chạy lung tung: A very close synonym, also meaning to run around all over the place without order or purpose.
- Chạy lăng xăng: This implies running around busily, often in a flustered or fussy manner. It can sometimes have purpose, but the action appears hurried and disorganized.
- Lang thang: To wander, roam, or loiter. This focuses more on walking without a destination rather than running.
Synonyms
- Chạy lung tung: To run around all over the place.
- Đi lang thang: To wander aimlessly (usually walking).
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
- Chạy nhăng chạy cuống: An intensified phrase combining "chạy nhăng" with "chạy cuống" (to run in a panicked, flustered way). It means to run around in a completely frantic and disorganized state.
- Nghe tin hỏa hoạn, mọi người chạy nhăng chạy cuống. (Upon hearing the news of the fire, people ran around in a frantic panic.)
Related Idioms
- While "chạy nhăng" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, the concept is related to ideas of unproductive activity. A related expression is:
- Ăn không ngồi rồi: To be idle, to have nothing to do. This describes a state of inactivity, whereas "chạy nhăng" describes active but pointless movement.