Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Indecisive, hesitant, wavering: Describes a state of being unable to make a clear decision, often due to doubt, confusion, or a lack of firm resolve. It implies a person is stuck between options, showing reluctance or uncertainty in their actions or speech.
   • Vague, non-committal, evasive: Can describe speech or behavior that is intentionally unclear, avoiding giving a direct answer or taking a definite stance.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy trả lời lử khử lừ khừ, không biết đồng ý hay từ chối. (He gave an indecisive answer, not knowing whether to agree or refuse.)
  • Đừng có lử khử lừ khừ nữa, hãy quyết định đi! (Stop being so hesitant, make a decision!)
  • Cô ấy có vẻ lử khử lừ khừ khi được hỏi về kế hoạch tương lai. (She seemed evasive when asked about her future plans.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in spoken Vietnamese and informal contexts to criticize or comment on someone's indecisiveness. It carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting frustration with the person's lack of clarity or decisiveness.

Variants and Related Words

• Lử thử: This is the more common base form. "Lử khử lừ khừ" is an extended, emphatic variant that intensifies the meaning of hesitation and vagueness. The meanings are identical, but "lử khử lừ khừ" often sounds more descriptive or expressive.
  • Anh ta cứ lử thử mãi không chịu quyết định. (He kept hesitating and wouldn't make a decision.)

Synonyms

• Do dự: to hesitate, to be hesitant.
• Chần chừ: to delay, to procrastinate, to be slow in deciding.
• Ứ ờ: to hem and haw, to speak evasively.

Related Idioms

• While "lử khử lừ khừ" itself is an idiomatic expression, it is not typically part of a larger fixed idiom. Its function is similar to a standalone descriptive phrase for indecisive behavior.

1. xem lử thử