Definition

1. Adjective/Adverb (Reduplicative expression):
   • To be completely absorbed in, to be engrossed in, to be wrapped up in: Describes a state of being deeply focused and diligently engaged in a physically demanding or laborious task, often to the point of forgetting one's surroundings. It implies sustained effort and concentration.
   • To toil away diligently: Emphasizes the continuous, earnest, and sometimes strenuous nature of the work being done.

Usage Examples

• Adjective/Adverb:
  • Anh ấy hì hà hì hục làm việc trong xưởng từ sáng đến tối. (He was completely absorbed in working in the workshop from morning till night.)
  • Các công nhân hì hà hì hục xây dựng con đường mới. (The workers were toiling away diligently to build the new road.)
  • Thấy nó hì hà hì hục học bài, tôi không muốn làm phiền. (Seeing him so engrossed in studying, I didn't want to disturb.)

Advanced Usage

• This is a reduplicative expression (từ láy), specifically of the form "hì hà hì hục". The reduplication "hà... hục" intensifies the meaning of the base sound "hì", emphasizing the sound and appearance of heavy breathing or exertion during hard work. It vividly paints a picture of someone laboring with great focus and physical effort.
• It is often used to describe manual labor or tasks requiring significant mental concentration, highlighting both the diligence and the immersive nature of the activity.

Variants and Related Words

• Hì hục (verb): To work hard and diligently, to toil. This is the base form from which "hì hà hì hục" is derived as an intensified reduplication.
  • Nó hì hục đào đất cả buổi chiều. (He toiled away digging soil all afternoon.)

Synonyms

• Chăm chú: Attentive, absorbed (less emphasis on physical labor).
• Miệt mài: Diligent, industrious, persevering in work/study.
• Cặm cụi: To work diligently and painstakingly, often on a detailed task.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Đầu tắt mặt tối: (Idiom) Literally "head extinguished, face dark"; meaning to work extremely hard from dawn till dusk. This idiom shares the theme of hard work but focuses more on the long hours rather than the state of absorption.
  • Bố mẹ tôi đầu tắt mặt tối lo cho gia đình. (My parents work tirelessly from dawn till dusk for the family.)

1. Be absorbed in, be engrossed in, be wrapped up in
   • Hì hục cuốc đất xới cỏ suốt ngày ngoài vườn
     To be absorbed in hoeing and weeding the whole day in the garden
   • Hì hà hì hục (láy, ý tăng)