lỡ thì

Một người nông dân lỡ thì gieo hạt vì trời mưa liên tục.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Past marriageable age: Describes a person, typically a woman, who has passed the conventional or optimal age for marriage according to societal norms.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy sợ mình sẽ lỡ thì. (She is afraid she will pass marriageable age.)
  • Theo quan niệm xưa, những cô gái ngoài 25 tuổi thường bị coi là lỡ thì. (According to old notions, women over 25 were often considered past marriageable age.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a traditional or societal context and can carry a regrettable or sympathetic connotation. It is less commonly used in modern, neutral discourse.

Variants and Related Words

• Lỡ dở (adj): Incomplete, unfinished, or missed (opportunity). This is a more general term for something that is left incomplete or has failed to materialize.
  • Công việc còn đang lỡ dở. (The work is still left unfinished.)

Synonyms

• Past one's prime (for marriage): Having passed the optimal time.
• Over the hill (in this specific context): Beyond the peak age for something (colloquial, can be derogatory).
• Spinster (archaic, noun): An older unmarried woman (this English term carries strong negative connotations).

Notes on Usage

• Cultural Context: The phrase "lỡ thì" reflects specific traditional societal pressures regarding marriage timelines. Its use is declining in modern Vietnamese.
• Tone: Using this term can be perceived as outdated, judgmental, or impolite. It is important to understand its sensitive nature.