láo quáo
Definition
- Adjective:
- Careless, slapdash, or done in a hasty and negligent manner: Describes an action performed with little attention to detail, thoroughness, or quality, often just to get it over with.
- Impudent, insolent (archaic/less common): In some older or regional uses, it can describe rude or cheeky behavior.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Nó làm bài tập một cách láo quáo. (He did his homework in a careless/slapdash manner.)
- Đừng sửa cái máy này một cách láo quáo, nó sẽ hỏng đấy. (Don't fix this machine in a slapdash way; it will break.)
- Công việc láo quáo sẽ không bao giờ đem lại kết quả tốt. (Careless work will never yield good results.)
Advanced Usage
- The term often implies a moral judgment, criticizing not just the poor quality of the work but also the irresponsible attitude behind it.
- It is frequently used with verbs like "làm" (to do/make) or "làm việc" (to work) to describe the manner of an action.
Variants and Related Words
- Láo (adj): Primarily means "impudent" or "cheeky." While "láo quáo" can sometimes share this meaning, its primary modern use for "careless" is distinct.
- Qua loa (adj): Similar in meaning to "láo quáo" in the sense of being superficial, cursory, or done perfunctorily.
- Anh ấy kiểm tra qua loa rồi ký tên. (He checked it perfunctorily and then signed.)
Synonyms
- Slapdash: Done too hurriedly and carelessly.
- Perfunctory: Carried out with minimal effort or reflection.
- Careless: Not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors.
- Negligent: Failing to take proper care.
Related Idioms
- Làm cho xong việc: To do something just to get it finished. This phrase captures the core idea behind acting "láo quáo."
- Hắn chỉ làm cho xong việc, chứ không hề quan tâm đến chất lượng. (He just did it to get it finished, with no concern for quality at all.)