Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Thoroughly, properly, seriously: Indicates that an action is performed with completeness, seriousness, and correctness, not in a half-hearted or careless manner.
   • Decently, respectably: Describes behavior or conduct that is proper, steady, and meets social standards.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Không làm thì thôi nhưng làm thì làm hẳn hoi. (Either do nothing, but if you do it, do it thoroughly.)
  • Anh ấy là một người ăn ở hẳn hoi. (He is a person who lives respectably.)
  • Cô ấy học hành rất hẳn hoi. (She studies very seriously.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to emphasize the proper, correct, and complete nature of an action or state of being. It often implies a contrast with a less serious or improper alternative.
  • Làm việc gì cũng phải hẳn hoi, đừng qua loa. (Whatever you do, you must do it properly, don't be slipshod.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hẳn (adv): An abbreviated, more colloquial form sometimes used with similar meaning, implying certainty or completeness (e.g., - surely).
• Chỉnh chu (adj): Meticulous, proper, tidy. (Focuses more on neatness and orderliness).
• Tử tế (adj): Good, decent, kind. (Has a broader meaning encompassing moral goodness).

Synonyms

• Chu đáo: Thoughtful, thorough, considerate.
• Nghiêm túc: Serious, earnest.
• Đàng hoàng: Properly, decently, respectably.

Related Phrases

• Ăn ở hẳn hoi: To live/behave decently and respectably.
  • Gia đình ấy ăn ở rất hẳn hoi trong xóm. (That family lives very respectably in the neighborhood.)

Related Idioms

• Làm ăn hẳn hoi: To do business/work honestly and properly.
  • Cửa hàng này làm ăn hẳn hoi nên được nhiều người tin tưởng. (This shop does business honestly, so it is trusted by many people.)

1. Không làm thì thôi nhưng làm thì làm hẳn hoi
2. Either do nothing or do something and do it thoroughly
   • Ăn ở hẳn hoi
     To be steady in one's behaviour