Definition

Adverb: - With intense and unthinking absorption: Describes the manner of doing something with great physical or mental effort, in a concentrated, persistent, and often head-down manner, sometimes implying a lack of consideration for efficiency or the bigger picture. - Indefatigably; doggedly: To work or labor tirelessly and with steady, determined effort.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Anh ấy hùng hục làm việc cả ngày mà không nghỉ. (He worked indefatigably all day without a break.)
  • Nó hùng hục đào đất tìm kho báu. (He dug the earth doggedly searching for treasure.)
  • Hùng hục làm cả ngày mà vẫn hỏng việc. (He labored with unthinking absorption all day but still botched the job.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a subtle nuance of working very hard but perhaps not wisely, efficiently, or with proper planning. It emphasizes the raw, sustained effort itself.
• It can describe physical labor (digging, lifting) or concentrated mental work (studying, writing).

Variants and Related Words

• Hăm hở (adj/adv): Eagerly, enthusiastically. While "hăm hở" focuses on eager excitement, "hùng hục" focuses on sustained, gritty effort.
  • Cậu bé hăm hở nhận nhiệm vụ mới. (The boy eagerly accepted the new task.)

Synonyms

• Doggedly: With persistent determination.
• Indefatigably: Without becoming tired.
• Assiduously: With great care and perseverance.
• With single-minded concentration: Focusing on one thing intensely.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Hùng hục như trâu cày: To work like an ox plowing; to labor with brute strength and persistence.
  • Ông ấy làm hùng hục như trâu cày. (He works like an ox plowing.)

1. Be absorbed in (one's work)
   • Hùng bục làm cả ngày không biết mỏi
     To be indefatigably absorbed in one's work all day long