gàn dở
Definition
- Adjective:
- Eccentric to the point of foolishness; crackbrained: Describes a person whose stubbornness or odd behavior is unreasonable and appears foolish or senseless to others. It implies a combination of obstinacy and a lack of common sense.
- Perverse; contrary in an irrational way: Suggests a person who is deliberately difficult or holds unreasonable views, often acting against logic or societal norms for no apparent good reason.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Ông ấy hơi gàn dở, không ai nói chuyện nổi. (He is a bit crackbrained; no one can talk to him.)
- Đừng có gàn dở mà từ chối cơ hội tốt như vậy. (Don't be so perverse as to refuse such a good opportunity.)
- Cái tính gàn dở của bà cụ khiến bà lúc nào cũng làm ngược lại lời khuyên của mọi người. (The old woman's contrary nature makes her always do the opposite of everyone's advice.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used to describe behavior that is not just stubborn but also illogical and frustrating to others. It carries a stronger negative connotation than simply being "stubborn" (bướng bỉnh) or "eccentric" (lập dị).
Variants and Related Words
Gàn (adj): Stubborn, obstinate in a rigid way.
- Anh ta gàn lắm, không chịu nghe ai. (He is very stubborn, refusing to listen to anyone.)
Dở hơi (adj): Foolish, silly, half-witted.
- Đừng có dở hơi mà tin lời nó. (Don't be foolish enough to believe him.)
Synonyms
- Crackbrained: Having a mind that is not working properly; foolish.
- Perverse: Willfully determined to go against what is expected or reasonable.
- Irrational: Not logical or reasonable.
Related Idioms
- While "gàn dở" itself is commonly used, it is often part of descriptive phrases rather than fixed idioms. A related concept is:
- Ương gàn: To be obstinate and unyielding.
- Thằng bé ương gàn không chịu đi học. (The boy is obstinate and refuses to go to school.)