Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Awkward, clumsy, or lacking in grace: Describes a person's movements or demeanor as uncoordinated, ungainly, or lacking poise, often due to a sudden growth spurt or self-consciousness.
   • Gawky, lanky: Specifically refers to the physical appearance of a young person who is tall and thin in an awkward way, as if not yet accustomed to their body.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Thằng bé mới lớn nên trông có vẻ nhớn nha nhớn nhác. (The boy has just grown up, so he looks rather gawky.)
  • Cô ấy bước vào phòng một cách nhớn nha nhớn nhác, làm đổ ly nước. (She entered the room in a clumsy manner, knocking over a glass of water.)

Advanced Usage

• This is a reduplicative form (từ láy) of the base adjective "nhớn nhác". The repetition (nhớn nha + nhớn nhác) intensifies the meaning, emphasizing a higher degree of awkwardness or gawkiness.
• It is primarily used in spoken Vietnamese and informal contexts to describe adolescents or young adults who are physically awkward.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhớn nhác (adj): The base form, meaning awkward or gawky.
  • Dáng đi nhớn nhác của tuổi mới lớn. (The gawky walk of adolescence.)
• Vụng về (adj): Clumsy, awkward (a more common synonym).
• Lóng ngóng (adj): Awkward, clumsy in movement.

Synonyms

• Vụng về: Clumsy, awkward.
• Lóng ngóng: Awkward, clumsy.
• Lêu nghêu (adj): Lanky, tall and thin in an ungainly way.

Notes on Meaning

• The word strongly connotes the physical and behavioral awkwardness associated with the rapid growth of youth. It is rarely used to describe older adults.
• It often carries a slightly humorous or affectionate tone rather than being harshly critical.

1. xem nhớn nhác (láy)