lơ đãng
Definition
- 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.)