không thèm
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To disdain, to scorn, to consider something not worth doing or having: Expresses a strong attitude of contempt, looking down on, or refusing to do something because it is considered beneath one's dignity, unworthy, or not meeting one's standards.
- To not bother, to not deign: Indicates a deliberate choice not to engage with someone or something due to feelings of superiority, anger, or indifference.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Nó kiêu đến mức không thèm chào hỏi ai. (He is so arrogant that he doesn't even bother to greet anyone.)
- Tôi tức giận nên không thèm trả lời tin nhắn của anh ấy. (I was so angry that I scorned to reply to his message.)
- Đồ ăn đó dở lắm, tôi không thèm ăn. (That food is terrible, I disdain to eat it.)
Advanced Usage
"Không thèm đếm xỉa đến": To not deign to pay any attention to; to completely ignore with contempt.
- Cô ấy không thèm đếm xỉa đến những lời đồn thổi. (She didn't deign to pay any attention to the rumors.)
"Không thèm để ý": To not bother to notice; to deliberately ignore.
- Anh ta làm như không thèm để ý đến sự có mặt của tôi. (He acted as if he couldn't be bothered to notice my presence.)
Variants and Related Words
- Khinh thường (verb): To despise, to look down upon. (Focuses more on the feeling of contempt rather than the act of refusal).
- Coi thường (verb): To disdain, to scorn. (Similar meaning, often interchangeable in some contexts).
- Bất cần (adjective): Indifferent, not caring. (Describes an uncaring attitude in general).
Synonyms
- Disdain (to): To consider unworthy of one's notice or regard.
- Scorn (to): To treat with contempt or disdain.
- Not deign (to): To do something only reluctantly because one considers it beneath one's dignity.
Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)
Note: As a fixed Vietnamese phrase, 'không thèm' itself functions similarly to a phrasal verb. Equivalent English phrasal verbs include: - Look down on (someone/something): To regard with contempt or scorn. - He looks down on people who didn't go to university. - Turn one's nose up at (something): To show disdain or contempt for something. - She turned her nose up at the cheap wine.
Related Idioms
- "Ngó lơ" / "Làm ngơ": To turn a blind eye; to pretend not to see. (Less about contempt, more about deliberate ignorance).
- "Coi như không có": To treat as if non-existent. (Emphasizes complete dismissal).