Definition

1. 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.

2. 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?)