Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Distracted / Inattentive: A state of not paying full attention to what is happening or to what one is doing; the mind is preoccupied or wandering.
   • Absent-minded: Showing a lack of concentration or focus, often in a dreamy or vague manner.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cậu bé nhìn ra cửa sổ với vẻ mặt lơ đãng. (The boy looked out the window with a distracted expression.)
  • Cô ấy lơ đãng nên không nghe thấy câu hỏi. (She was inattentive, so she didn't hear the question.)
  • Một học sinh lơ đãng sẽ bỏ lỡ nhiều thông tin quan trọng. (An absent-minded student will miss a lot of important information.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "lơ đãng" often describes a temporary, observable state of mind rather than a permanent character trait. It implies a gentle or passive lack of focus.
• It can be used adverbially in some contexts by combining with verbs like "nhìn" (to look) or "nghe" (to listen).

Variants and Related Words

• Lơ mơ (adj): Drowsy, half-asleep, or fuzzy-minded, often due to sleepiness.
  • Anh ta ngồi lơ mơ vì thiếu ngủ. (He sat there drowsy from lack of sleep.)
• Đãng trí (adj): Forgetful, having a poor memory.
  • Bà tôi hơi đãng trí. (My grandmother is a bit forgetful.)

Synonyms

• Distracted: Unable to concentrate because the mind is drawn to other things.
• Inattentive: Not paying close attention.
• Absent-minded: Habitually forgetful or preoccupied.
• Preoccupied: Engaged in thought about something else.

Related Idioms

• Đầu óc trên mây: Literally "head in the clouds"; to be daydreaming or not focused on reality.
  • Cậu ấy lúc nào cũng lơ đãng, đầu óc trên mây. (He's always distracted, with his head in the clouds.)