lu lơ
Definition
Adjective:
- Careless, negligent, or inattentive: Describes a state of not paying proper attention or care to a task, often resulting in it being done poorly or half-heartedly.
- Absent-minded or distracted: Refers to a person whose mind is elsewhere, not focused on the present activity or situation.
Adverb:
- Carelessly or negligently: Describes the manner of doing something without proper care, attention, or seriousness.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- Cậu bé lu lơ, không nghe lời cô giáo giảng. (The boy was inattentive, not listening to the teacher's lecture.)
- Thái độ lu lơ của anh ấy khiến công việc bị trì hoãn. (His negligent attitude caused the work to be delayed.)
Adverb:
- Anh ta làm việc một cách lu lơ. (He works carelessly.)
- Đừng nhìn lu lơ ra cửa sổ. (Don't stare distractedly out the window.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often carries a tone of mild criticism or disappointment, implying a lack of responsibility or dedication. It is commonly used to describe a person's mental state or approach to work or study.
Variants and Related Words
Lơ đãng (adj): Absent-minded, distracted. A close synonym with a similar meaning.
- Cô ấy ngồi lơ đãng suốt buổi họp. (She sat absent-mindedly throughout the meeting.)
Lơ mơ (adj): Hazy, vague, half-asleep. Describes a state of being not fully conscious or aware.
- Anh ấy vẫn còn lơ mơ sau giấc ngủ trưa. (He was still groggy after his afternoon nap.)
Synonyms
- Negligent: Failing to take proper care.
- Inattentive: Not paying attention.
- Distracted: Unable to concentrate because one's mind is preoccupied.
- Careless: Not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors.
Related Idioms
- Đầu óc lu lơ: To have a distracted or careless mind.
- Cậu để đầu óc lu lơ thế thì làm sao thi đỗ. (If you let your mind be so distracted, how can you pass the exam?)