Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Hesitant, indecisive, wavering: Describes a state of uncertainty, being unable to make a decision or move forward with confidence. It implies a lack of firmness or resolve.
   • Procrastinating, dilly-dallying: Refers to the act of delaying or putting off a decision or action, often by being slow and hesitant.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy cứ lừng khà lừng khừng mãi, không biết có nên nhận lời mời hay không. (He keeps hesitating, not knowing whether to accept the invitation or not.)
  • Đừng có lừng khà lừng khừng nữa, chúng ta phải đưa ra quyết định ngay bây giờ. (Stop dilly-dallying; we have to make a decision right now.)

Advanced Usage

• This is a láy word (a type of Vietnamese reduplicative). The core meaning comes from "lừng khừng." The form "lừng khà lừng khừng" is an extended, more expressive variant that emphasizes the prolonged, drawn-out nature of the hesitation or indecision. It often carries a slightly negative or impatient connotation from the speaker's perspective.

Variants and Related Words

• Lừng khừng (adj): The standard, more common form meaning hesitant, indecisive.
  • Thái độ lừng khừng của anh ta khiến mọi người sốt ruột. (His hesitant attitude made everyone impatient.)
• Do dự (v, adj): To hesitate, hesitant. A more formal synonym.
• Ngập ngừng (v, adj): To falter, to be hesitant (often in speech or movement).

Synonyms

• Chần chừ: To delay, to hesitate.
• Phân vân: To be torn between options, to be in two minds.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Ở trong trạng thái lừng khà lừng khừng: To be in a state of hesitation.
  • Cô ấy ở trong trạng thái lừng khà lừng khừng suốt cả tuần. (She has been in a state of hesitation all week.)

Related Idioms

• Lòng chim dạ cá: (Lit: heart of a bird, gut of a fish) An idiom describing an indecisive, fickle, or unfaithful person. While not a direct synonym, it shares the theme of unreliability and lack of firm decision.

1. xem lừng khừng (láy)