lớ ngớ

Anh ấy lớ ngớ nhìn ra cửa sổ.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Absent-minded; Dazed; Vacant: Describes a state of being mentally distracted, not fully aware of one's surroundings, or appearing foolishly blank and slow to react.
   • Clumsy; Awkward: Can describe a physical or social clumsiness resulting from inattentiveness or a lack of sharpness.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nó ngồi lớ ngớ một mình, không nói gì cả. (He sat there dazed and alone, not saying anything.)
  • Đừng có lớ ngớ mà để mất ví. (Don't be so absent-minded and lose your wallet.)
  • Cậu ấy trông thật lớ ngớ khi bước vào phòng lạ. (He looked really awkward when he entered the unfamiliar room.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used in a mildly critical or teasing way to describe someone who is not paying attention or is being socially inept. It implies a temporary or characteristic lack of sharpness or alertness.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngớ ngẩn (adj): foolish, silly; often implies a more permanent or inherent foolishness.
• Đãng trí (adj): forgetful, absent-minded; focuses more on memory lapses.
• Lơ đễnh (adj): negligent, inattentive; focuses on a lack of care or attention.

Synonyms

• Absent-minded
• Dazed
• Vacant
• Clumsy (in context)
• Obtuse

Related Idioms

• Lớ ngớ như người đần: (As) vacant as a simpleton. A simile emphasizing a foolish or blank appearance.
  • Nó đứng đó lớ ngớ như người đần. (He stood there as vacant as a simpleton.)