mắc việc

Anh ấy đang mắc việc nên không thể trả lời điện thoại.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • To be busy (with work/tasks): The primary meaning of "mắc việc" is to be occupied, tied up, or engrossed in work or duties, leaving little free time.
   • To have a lot on one's plate: It describes a state of being preoccupied or heavily engaged with tasks that require attention.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Xin lỗi, tôi đang rất mắc việc. (Sorry, I am very busy with work.)
  • Tuần này anh ấy mắc việc nên không đi chơi được. (He is tied up with work this week, so he can't go out.)
  • Đừng làm phiền cô ấy khi cô ấy đang mắc việc. (Don't disturb her when she is occupied with tasks.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies being legitimately busy with necessary or demanding tasks, not merely idle busyness. It can carry a tone of slight burden or unavoidable engagement.

Variants and Related Words

• Bận việc (adj): an extremely common synonym meaning "to be busy with work."
  • Tôi bận việc cả ngày. (I am busy with work all day.)

Synonyms

• Busy: Engaged in activity or work.
• Occupied: Being used or filled; having one's time or attention taken up.
• Tied up: Unable to be available because one is busy.

Related Idioms

• Mắc công mắc việc: To be tied up with numerous tasks and errands; to have many irons in the fire.
  • Dịp Tết nào cũng thấy mắc công mắc việc. (Every Tet holiday, I find myself swamped with chores and tasks.)