lơ láo
Definition
- Adjective:
- Confused, disoriented, bewildered: Describes a state of being lost, both physically and mentally, not knowing what to do or where to go, often due to being in an unfamiliar or overwhelming situation.
- Aimless, adrift: Describes a feeling of being without purpose, direction, or a clear sense of belonging.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Anh ấy nhìn quanh với ánh mắt lơ láo vì lạc đường. (He looked around with a confused expression because he was lost.)
- Sau khi công ty đóng cửa, nhiều nhân viên cảm thấy lơ láo, không biết phải làm gì tiếp theo. (After the company closed, many employees felt adrift, not knowing what to do next.)
- Đứa trẻ đứng lơ láo một mình giữa chợ đông người. (The child stood bewildered and alone in the crowded market.)
Advanced Usage
- "Nhìn lơ láo": to look around in a confused or vacant manner.
- Cô ấy nhìn lơ láo vào khoảng không, dường như đang suy nghĩ rất nhiều. (She stared vacantly into space, seemingly deep in thought.)
- "Cảm giác lơ láo": a feeling of being lost or disoriented.
- Cảm giác lơ láo ấy thường xuất hiện khi ta đến một thành phố xa lạ. (That feeling of being lost often appears when we arrive in an unfamiliar city.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lơ ngơ (adj): Similar to "lơ láo," meaning absent-minded, vague, or not fully alert.
- Anh ta trông lơ ngơ như người mất hồn. (He looks absent-minded like a lost soul.)
- Lơ mơ (adj): Drowsy, half-asleep, or having a vague, unclear understanding.
- Tôi vẫn còn lơ mơ sau giấc ngủ trưa. (I'm still drowsy after my afternoon nap.)
Synonyms
- Bỡ ngỡ: bewildered, unfamiliar (often used for first-time experiences).
- Lạc lõng: lost, out of place, feeling alienated.
- Ngơ ngác: looking dumbfounded or stunned.
Related Idioms
- "Hàng thần lơ láo": A classical literary phrase describing officials who served a previous dynasty, now feeling lost and disoriented under a new regime. It conveys a deep sense of displacement and uncertainty about one's role and fate.
- "Hàng thần lơ láo phận mình ra chi." (Officials of the former court, adrift and bewildered, what will become of their lot?)