Definition

1. Verb:
   • To concern oneself excessively with; to be overly particular about: To pay undue attention to or be preoccupied with minor, often trivial, details or formalities.
   • To be fastidious about; to be hung up on: To be excessively or unnecessarily scrupulous or demanding regarding small matters.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Nếu cứ nệ từng chuyện nhỏ thì khó mà chiều được. (If one concerns oneself with every trifle, one can never be pleased.)
  • Anh ấy hay nệ hình thức bên ngoài. (He is often overly particular about external appearances.)
  • Đừng nệ những lỗi không đáng kể. (Don't be hung up on insignificant mistakes.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb "nệ" often carries a critical or advisory tone, suggesting that the preoccupation is unnecessary, counterproductive, or a character flaw.
• It is frequently used in the construction "nệ + [noun phrase]" (e.g., – to be hung up on formalities) or "nệ từng + [noun]" (e.g., – to fuss over every little thing).

Variants and Related Words

• Câu nệ (v): A more formal or literary synonym meaning to be rigidly attached to rules, formalities, or minor details.
  • Ông ấy rất câu nệ lễ nghi. (He is very rigid about rituals.)

Synonyms

• To fuss over: To show unnecessary or excessive concern about something.
• To be pedantic about: To be overly concerned with minute details or formalities.
• To nitpick: To criticize or find fault with insignificant details.

Related Idioms

• Nệ hình thức: To be overly concerned with form/appearance; to be a stickler for formalities.
  • Công ty đó rất nệ hình thức trong giao tiếp. (That company is very hung up on formalities in communication.)

1. Concern oneself with trifles
   • Nếu cứ nệ từng chuyện nhỏ thì khó mà chiều được
     If one concerns oneself with every trifle, one can never be pleased