luôn tay
Definition
- Adverb:
- Continuously, without stopping: Describes performing an action in an uninterrupted, steady manner, often with one's hands.
- Busily, constantly occupied: Indicates being engaged in a task or activity without pause or idleness.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- Cô ấy làm việc nhà luôn tay cả buổi sáng. (She did housework non-stop all morning.)
- Người thợ gốm tạo hình sản phẩm luôn tay. (The potter shapes the product continuously.)
- Trong mùa lễ, các đầu bếp phải nấu nướng luôn tay. (During the holiday season, the chefs have to cook constantly.)
Advanced Usage
"làm luôn tay": to work without a break.
- Để kịp deadline, anh ấy phải làm luôn tay. (To meet the deadline, he had to work without a break.)
"luôn tay luôn chân": (idiomatic extension) to be constantly busy with both hands and feet; to be very industrious and active.
- Bà chủ quán nhỏ lúc nào cũng luôn tay luôn chân. (The owner of the small shop is always bustling about.)
Variants and Related Words
- Liên tục (adv): Continuously, continually. (A more general synonym not limited to manual activity).
- Không ngừng tay (phrase): Without stopping one's hands; a near-identical phrase.
Synonyms
- Không ngớt tay: Without ceasing (using one's hands).
- Liên tục: Continuously.
- Không nghỉ: Without rest.
Related Phrases
- Thao tác luôn tay: To operate/manipulate continuously.
- Công nhân vận hành máy thao tác luôn tay. (The worker operating the machine works it continuously.)
Related Idioms
- "Luôn tay luôn chân": As mentioned above, this common idiom emphasizes being constantly in motion and very busy.
- Dịp Tết, mẹ tôi bận rộn luôn tay luôn chân. (During Tet, my mother is busy constantly on the go.)