lo ngay ngáy
Definition
- Idiomatic phrase (to be constantly anxious):
- A state of persistent, nagging worry or anxiety that occupies one's mind continuously, often about a potential problem or uncertain outcome. It implies a feeling that is not easily dismissed and causes ongoing mental unease.
Usage Examples
- Idiomatic phrase:
- Cô ấy lo ngay ngáy về kết quả kỳ thi. (She is constantly anxious about the exam results.)
- Ông ấy lo ngay ngáy vì khoản nợ sắp đến hạn. (He is in a state of nagging worry because the debt is due soon.)
- Cả tuần nay tôi lo ngay ngáy chờ tin con. (I have been anxiously waiting for news from my child all week.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often describes a background state of worry that accompanies one's daily activities, rather than an acute, momentary panic. It emphasizes the duration and intrusive nature of the anxiety.
Variants and Related Words
Lo lắng (v/n): to worry / worry. A more general and common term for worry.
- Anh ấy lo lắng cho tương lai. (He is worried about the future.)
Canh cánh (in the heart/mind) (adj): a literary synonym describing a worry that is always present, weighing on one's heart.
- Nỗi lo canh cánh trong lòng. (The worry is ever-present in his/her heart.)
Synonyms
- To be on tenterhooks: to be in a state of nervous anticipation.
- To be fretful: to be constantly worried or distressed.
- To have nagging worries: to be troubled by persistent anxious thoughts.
Related Idioms
Nơm nớp lo sợ: to be in a state of fearful apprehension, often with a sense of imminent threat. This is stronger and more fear-based than "lo ngay ngáy."
- Họ sống nơm nớp lo sợ bị phát hiện. (They live in constant fear of being discovered.)
Ăn không ngon, ngủ không yên: to be so worried that one cannot eat well or sleep peacefully. This describes the physical effects of deep worry.
- Vì lo lắng, bà ấy ăn không ngon, ngủ không yên. (Because of her worries, she can't eat or sleep properly.)