Definition

1. Verb:
   • To bicker, to squabble: To engage in a petty, often noisy argument, typically about something unimportant or trivial. It implies a back-and-forth exchange of complaints or criticisms without reaching a serious or meaningful conclusion.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hai đứa trẻ cãi vã về việc ai được chơi trước. (The two children bickered over who got to play first.)
  • Chuyện không ra gì cũng cãi vã nhau. (They bickered with each other over some trifle.)
  • Họ ngừng cãi vã và bắt đầu thảo luận nghiêm túc. (They stopped squabbling and began a serious discussion.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb often implies a repetitive, irritating, and unproductive nature of the argument. It is rarely used for formal debates or substantive disagreements.

Variants and Related Words

• Cãi nhau (v): To argue, to quarrel. This is a more general term for arguing and can range from mild to severe disputes.

  • Họ cãi nhau về chính trị. (They argued about politics.)

• Tranh cãi (v/n): To dispute, to debate; a dispute, a controversy. This often refers to a more contentious or formal disagreement.

  • Đây là một vấn đề gây tranh cãi. (This is a controversial issue.)

Synonyms

• Bicker: To argue about petty, trivial matters.
• Squabble: To engage in a noisy quarrel about a trivial matter.
• Wrangle: To argue persistently, often noisily.

Related Idioms

• Cãi vã như mổ bò: To argue fiercely and noisily (literally: to argue like butchering a cow). This idiom emphasizes the loud, chaotic, and unpleasant nature of the argument.
  • Cả phòng họp cãi vã như mổ bò. (The whole meeting room was squabbling fiercely.)

verb

1. To bicker, to squabble
   • chuyện không ra gì cũng cãi vã nhau
     they bickered with each other over some trifle