Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Dangling loosely; sticking out awkwardly: Describes something, often long and thin, that is not firmly attached or supported, causing it to hang or protrude in an untidy, unsteady, or precarious way.
   • Aimless; without fixed purpose: Describes a person's actions or lifestyle as wandering, idle, or lacking direction and serious occupation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Physical object):
  • Sợi dây điện bị đứt lêu têu trên cột. (The broken wire was dangling loosely from the pole.)
  • Một cành cây khô lêu têu trước cửa sổ. (A dry branch was sticking out awkwardly in front of the window.)
• Adjective (Behavior/Lifestyle):
  • Nó không chịu làm việc, suốt ngày đi lêu têu. (He doesn't want to work, he just wanders around aimlessly all day.)
  • Cuộc sống lêu têu của những năm tuổi trẻ. (The aimless life of youth years.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a slightly negative or disapproving connotation, implying something is unsightly, unstable, or that someone is unproductive.

Variants and Related Words

• Lêu lổng (Adjective): A near-synonym, more strongly emphasizing idleness, loafing around, and avoiding work or responsibility.
  • Thằng bé cả ngày chơi game, lêu lổng không chịu học. (The boy plays games all day, loafing around and refusing to study.)

Synonyms

• Dangling; loose; sticking out.
• Aimless; wandering; idle; shiftless.

Related Idioms

• Đi lêu têu: To wander around aimlessly.
  • Tụi trẻ thích đi lêu têu trong công viên. (The kids like to wander around aimlessly in the park.)