mắc bận
Definition
- 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.)