Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Busy; occupied: Describes a state of having many tasks or responsibilities that require one's time and attention, leaving little to no free time.
   • Prevented; tied up: Indicates being unable to do something because one is already engaged in another activity or commitment.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tôi rất mắc bận với công việc cuối năm. (I am very busy with year-end work.)
  • Cô ấy mắc bận việc gia đình nên không thể tham dự. (She is tied up with family matters, so she cannot attend.)
  • Anh ấy luôn mắc bận, hiếm khi có thời gian rảnh. (He is always occupied and rarely has free time.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used to politely decline an invitation or explain one's unavailability, conveying a sense of being unavoidably engaged rather than simply unwilling.

Variants and Related Words

• Bận (adj): busy. This is a more common and slightly less formal synonym.

  • Tôi bận họp. (I am busy with a meeting.)

• Bận rộn (adj): very busy, hectic. Emphasizes a high level of activity.

  • Cuộc sống của cô ấy rất bận rộn. (Her life is very hectic.)

Synonyms

• Busy: Actively engaged in work or other activities.
• Occupied: Being used or filled; having one's time or attention taken.
• Tied up: Unable to get free because of prior commitments.

Related Idioms

• Mắc bận trăm công nghìn việc: To be swamped with countless tasks.
  • Dịp Tết, mẹ tôi thường mắc bận trăm công nghìn việc. (During Tet, my mother is usually swamped with countless tasks.)