cứng nhắc
Definition
- 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.)