Definition

Adjective: * Unresolved, unsettled, lingering: Describes a state of mind or a situation where something feels incomplete, unsatisfactory, or causes a persistent, nagging feeling of doubt, discomfort, or hesitation. It often implies a minor but bothersome issue that prevents full peace of mind or a clean resolution.

Usage

• Lấn cấn is used to describe a feeling of mental unease or an issue that remains problematic.
• It is commonly used with words related to feelings (cảm thấy, thấy), the mind (trong lòng, trong dạ), or to directly modify a situation or matter (vấn đề, chuyện).

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tôi vẫn thấy lấn cấn về quyết định đó. (I still feel uneasy/unsure about that decision.)
  • Chuyện ấy cứ lấn cấn mãi trong lòng cô ấy. (That matter kept nagging/lingering in her heart.)
  • Vụ việc đã giải quyết xong nhưng vẫn còn một điểm lấn cấn. (The case has been resolved, but there is still one unsettled/unclear point.)

Advanced Usage

• "Cứ lấn cấn mãi": to keep nagging/lingering persistently.
  • Một ý nghĩ cứ lấn cấn mãi trong đầu anh ta. (A thought kept nagging persistently in his head.)
• "Làm cho ai đó thấy lấn cấn": to make someone feel uneasy or doubtful.
  • Lời nói của anh ấy làm tôi thấy lấn cấn. (His words made me feel uneasy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Vướng mắc (n/v): A snag, hitch, or obstacle; to be entangled. Often refers to a more concrete problem than lấn cấn.
  • Dự án bị trì hoãn vì một số vướng mắc về pháp lý. (The project was delayed due to some legal snags.)
• Phân vân (adj): Hesitant, indecisive, torn between options. Focuses more on the state of indecision rather than a nagging feeling.
  • Cô ấy rất phân vân không biết nên chọn công việc nào. (She is very hesitant/indecisive about which job to choose.)

Synonyms

• Vương vấn: to linger, to be attached to (often with nostalgia or affection, but can imply a similar unresolved feeling).
• Áy náy: to feel remorseful, guilty, or troubled by conscience.
• Ngập ngừng: to hesitate, to falter (in speech or action).

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning of lấn cấn revolves around a psychological state of mild but persistent discomfort caused by an unresolved element. It is less about major guilt (Áy náy) or concrete obstacles (Vướng mắc) and more about a subtle, nagging sense that something is not quite right, settled, or satisfactory.