Definition

Adverb/Adjective: - Diligently and quietly, with focused effort: Describes working in a concentrated, absorbed, and often quiet manner, usually on a small or detailed task, without paying attention to one's surroundings. - Busily and intently: Indicates being engrossed in an activity, often with one's head down, showing dedication and persistence.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • Anh ấy làm việc lụi hụi một mình trong phòng. (He worked diligently and quietly alone in the room.)
  • Cô bé ngồi lụi hụi vẽ tranh cả buổi chiều. (The little girl sat busily and intently drawing pictures all afternoon.)

• Adjective (often used with 'làm việc' or similar verbs):

  • Nhìn anh ta lụi hụi sửa cái xe đạp cũ mà thương. (Looking at him working intently on fixing the old bicycle makes me feel for him.)
  • Mẹ tôi lụi hụi trong bếp chuẩn bị bữa tối. (My mother is busily absorbed in the kitchen preparing dinner.)

Advanced Usage

• "lụi hụi với...": to be diligently occupied with something.
  • Ông cụ lụi hụi với đống sách vở cũ. (The old man is diligently occupied with a pile of old books and papers.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lúi húi: A very common variant with the same meaning and usage.
  • Nó lúi húi viết bài cả ngày. (He/She worked away diligently on the essay all day.)

Synonyms

• Chăm chú: attentively, intently (focuses more on concentration than the quiet, persistent effort).
• Miệt mài: assiduously, perseveringly (emphasizes persistent effort over a long period).
• Cặm cụi: diligently, industriously (very close in meaning, often interchangeable with 'lụi hụi').

Notes on Meaning

This word vividly depicts a scene of someone working hard, often in a humble, unassuming, or isolated way. It carries a nuance of being so focused on a small or mundane task that one is oblivious to other things. It can sometimes imply a sense of endearment, pity, or admiration for the worker's quiet dedication.

1. như lúi húi