Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Hesitantly; indecisively; with reluctance: Expresses a state of hesitation, indecision, or unwillingness in action or speech. It describes doing something with a lack of eagerness or certainty, often due to doubt, shyness, or a lack of confidence.
   • In a faltering or halting manner: Can describe speech or movement that is hesitant, slow, or uncertain.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Cô ấy trả lời lựa là, không dám nhìn thẳng. (She answered hesitantly, not daring to look directly.)
  • Đứa trẻ lựa là bước vào phòng khách đông người. (The child stepped hesitantly into the crowded living room.)
  • Anh ta lựa là từ chối lời mời vì không muốn làm phật lòng ai. (He reluctantly declined the invitation because he didn't want to offend anyone.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to depict a psychological state of uncertainty or timidity manifesting in one's behavior or communication. It is more literary and descriptive than colloquial.

Variants and Related Words

• Lọ là (Adverb): A direct variant with identical meaning and usage.
  • Nó đứng lọ là ở cửa, không dám vào. (He stood hesitantly at the door, not daring to enter.)

Synonyms

• Hesitantly: With hesitation or pause.
• Reluctantly: With unwillingness or disinclination.
• Falteringly: In an unsteady or hesitant manner.
• Timidly: In a shy or nervous manner.

Related Idioms

• Ứ ừ lựa là: To hem and haw; to speak with many hesitant sounds like "uh" and "um," indicating indecision or an unwillingness to give a direct answer.
  • Khi bị hỏi, nó chỉ ừ ừ lựa là. (When asked, he just hemmed and hawed.)

1. như lọ là