Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Hard of hearing (temporarily) / Not hearing clearly: Describes a temporary, often attention-related, state of not hearing something clearly or missing what was said. It implies the ears are not fully attentive, not a permanent physical condition.
   • Inattentive (in hearing): Specifically refers to a lapse in auditory attention, causing one to miss sounds or speech.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Tôi hơi nhãng tai, bạn có thể nói lại được không? (I'm a bit hard of hearing [at the moment], could you repeat that?)
  • Lúc đó tôi đang suy nghĩ nên nhãng tai mất một đoạn bài giảng. (I was thinking at the time, so I missed a part of the lecture [due to inattention].)
  • Đừng giả vờ nhãng tai, tôi biết bạn đang nghe đấy. (Don't pretend not to hear, I know you're listening.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a nuance of absent-mindedness or distraction affecting one's hearing, rather than deafness.
• It can be used humorously or as a mild excuse for not responding to someone.

Variants and Related Words

• Điếc (adj): Deaf. Refers to a permanent, significant hearing loss.
• Lãng tai (adj): A more common synonym for age-related or mild permanent hearing impairment.
• Mất tập trung (phrase): To be distracted. A general term for lack of focus, not specific to hearing.

Synonyms

• Inattentive (ears): Not paying attention to sounds.
• To miss (what was said): To fail to hear.
• Distracted (hearing): Having one's auditory attention diverted.

Related Idioms

• Giả điếc giả nhãng tai: To play deaf and dumb; to deliberately ignore something by pretending not to hear or understand.
  • Anh ta cứ giả điếc giả nhãng tai trước mọi lời góp ý. (He just plays deaf and dumb to all feedback.)