mê mải
Definition
- Adjective:
- Completely engrossed; deeply absorbed: Describes a state of being so intensely focused on or captivated by an activity, thought, or object that one loses awareness of time or surroundings.
- Passionately devoted; fervently engaged: Indicates a deep, passionate involvement in a pursuit, often to the point of obsession.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Anh ấy mê mải đọc sách cả đêm. (He was completely engrossed in reading all night.)
- Cô ấy làm việc một cách mê mải. (She works with passionate devotion.)
- Bọn trẻ mê mải chơi trò chơi điện tử. (The children are deeply absorbed in playing video games.)
Advanced Usage
- The word is often used with verbs to describe the manner of an action, forming adverbial phrases (e.g., = to work engrossedly).
- It can describe a prolonged, uninterrupted state of focus or fascination.
Variants and Related Words
Mê (adj/v): To be infatuated with, fascinated by, or addicted to something. It is the root word and often implies a stronger sense of irrational attraction or addiction.
- Anh ta mê cờ bạc. (He is addicted to gambling.)
Say mê (adj/v): To be passionate about, enthralled by. Similar to "mê mải" but can sometimes imply a more romantic or idealistic passion.
- Cô ấy say mê âm nhạc. (She is passionate about music.)
Synonyms
- Engrossed: Having all one's attention or interest absorbed by something.
- Absorbed: Very interested in something and not paying attention to anything else.
- Preoccupied: Engrossed in thought; distracted.
- Rapt: Completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing.
- Fervent: Having or displaying a passionate intensity.
Related Idioms
- Mê mải đến quên ăn quên ngủ: To be so engrossed as to forget to eat and sleep.
- Nhà phát minh mê mải nghiên cứu đến quên ăn quên ngủ. (The inventor was so engrossed in his research that he forgot to eat and sleep.)