Definition

Adjective: 1. Agile; brisk; active: Describes a person or action that is quick, nimble, and efficient, without delay or sluggishness. It implies a positive quality of speed combined with readiness. 2. Prompt; quick: Indicates doing something rapidly or responding without hesitation.

Usage

This adjective describes the nature or manner of an action or a person's character. It is often used to praise someone's efficiency or the speed of a process. - It typically follows a verb (e.g., làm việc mau mắn) or precedes a noun (e.g., một người mau mắn). - It carries a positive connotation of desirable quickness.

Usage Examples

• Describing a person's character:

  • Cô ấy là một nhân viên rất mau mắn và nhiệt tình. (She is a very agile and enthusiastic employee.)
  • Tính anh ấy mau mắn, không bao giờ để việc hôm nay sang ngày mai. (He has a brisk character, never leaving today's work for tomorrow.)

• Describing an action or response:

  • Hãy trả lời mau mắn vào! (Please answer promptly!)
  • Công việc được hoàn thành một cách mau mắn. (The work was completed in a brisk manner.)

Advanced Usage

• Implied comparison: While not a direct comparative form, is often used in contexts that implicitly contrast with slowness or reluctance.
  • So với các bạn, cậu ấy làm bài tập mau mắn hơn hẳn. (Compared to the others, he does his homework much more briskly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mau (adj/adv): Fast, quick, rapid. ( = hurry up!). is the root, while adds a nuance of willing agility.
• Mau lẹ (adj): Nimble, swift. Very close in meaning to , often interchangeable.
• Nhanh nhẹn (adj): Agile, quick-witted. Emphasizes physical and mental alertness.
• Linh hoạt (adj): Flexible, adaptable. Shares the concept of quick adaptation but focuses less on speed.

Synonyms

• Nhanh chóng: Quickly, swiftly. More neutral, focusing on speed of action.
• Hoạt bát: Lively, vivacious. Focuses more on energetic personality than speed of task completion.
• Sẵn sàng: Ready, willing. Focuses on the state of preparedness, which is a component of .

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Mau mắn tay chân: Agile with hands and feet. Used to praise someone who works quickly and skillfully with their hands.
  • Cô thợ may mau mắn tay chân lắm. (The seamstress is very agile with her hands.)
• Ăn nói mau mắn: To speak briskly/readily. Describes a person who responds or speaks quickly and clearly.
  • Cậu phóng viên trẻ ăn nói mau mắn và sắc sảo. (The young reporter speaks briskly and sharply.)

adj

1. agile; brisk; active