Definition

1. Adjective / Adverb:
   • Perfunctory; cursorily; in a slipshod manner: Describes an action done with minimal effort, care, or attention to detail, merely to get it done. It implies a superficial or hasty approach.
   • Rough; approximate: Describes knowledge or understanding that is only general or basic, not deep or thorough.

Usage Examples

• As an adverb (following a verb):
  • Anh ta chỉ kiểm tra qua loa chiếc xe. (He only checked the car perfunctorily.)
  • Chúng tôi ăn qua loa bữa sáng. (We ate breakfast in a hurry.)
• As an adjective (describing a noun):
  • Đó là một bản báo cáo qua loa. (That is a slipshod report.)
  • Tôi có hiểu biết qua loa về chủ đề này. (I have a rough understanding of this topic.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a negative connotation, criticizing a lack of thoroughness, responsibility, or dedication.
• It can describe a style or attitude: (a perfunctory/careless working style).

Variants and Related Words

• Làm qua loa (verb phrase): to do something perfunctorily, to skimp on work.
  • Đừng làm qua loa bài tập về nhà. (Don't do your homework perfunctorily.)
• Qua quít (adjective/adverb): a more colloquial synonym with a very similar meaning of being careless or hasty.

Synonyms

• Perfunctory: Carried out with minimal effort or reflection.
• Cursory: Hasty and therefore not thorough.
• Slipshod: Characterized by a lack of care, thought, or organization.
• Superficial: Existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Qua loa chiếu lệ: A common four-word idiom that intensifies the meaning, translating to "merely for form's sake" or "as a mere token gesture." It emphasizes actions done only to fulfill an obligation superficially.
  • Buổi kiểm tra chỉ diễn ra qua loa chiếu lệ. (The inspection was carried out as a mere formality.)

adj

1. summarily
   • làm qua loa
     to work summarily