Definition

Verb phrase: - To have a bad habit (of doing something), to be accustomed to a bad habit. This phrase describes a person, especially a child, who has developed and persists in a negative or undesirable behavior pattern.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe a negative behavioral tendency that has become ingrained. It often implies a sense of annoyance or resignation regarding the habit. It is commonly used in informal, conversational contexts.

Examples

• • The little boy has the bad habit of crying when he wakes up.
• • The girl has gotten into the bad habit of throwing a tantrum every time she doesn't get a toy.
• • He's accustomed to the bad habit of being late for school; it's very hard to correct.

Advanced Usage

• "Quen nết hư": To be spoiled, to have gotten into bad ways.
  • Đứa trẻ được chiều quá nên quen nết hư. (The child is spoiled too much and has gotten into bad ways.)
• The phrase often carries a slightly stronger negative connotation than just "có thói quen xấu" (to have a bad habit), suggesting the habit is more stubborn or ingrained.

Variants and Related Words

• Quen thói (Verb phrase): A very close synonym, also meaning to be accustomed to a (usually bad) habit.
  • Nó quen thói nói dối. (He is in the habit of lying.)
• Thói quen xấu (Noun phrase): A bad habit.
• Nết (Noun): Can mean habit, character, or virtue (often in a positive sense in compounds like "nết na" - well-mannered). In "quen nết," it specifically refers to a habitual behavior pattern.

Synonyms

• Có thói quen xấu: To have a bad habit.
• Thành tật: To become a bad habit/addiction (can be stronger).
• Nhiễm thói xấu: To pick up/acquire a bad habit.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Quen mui thấy cũng không hôi": (Lit: Get used to the smell and it no longer stinks.) An idiom meaning one becomes tolerant or indifferent to something bad due to prolonged exposure. This shares the concept of becoming accustomed ("quen") to something negative.

1. Have the bad habit of
   • thằng bé quen nết ngủ dậy là khóc
     The little boy has got the bad habit of crying when waking up