Definition

1. Adverb:
   • To refuse flatly, to turn down roundly: Describes the act of refusing something in a strong, categorical, and often stubborn manner, leaving no room for negotiation or persuasion.

Usage

• "quây quẩy" is used to emphasize a firm and absolute refusal. It often describes a refusal that is repeated or persistent, especially in the context of a child or someone being uncooperative.
• It typically modifies verbs like "không chịu" (to refuse to), "từ chối" (to refuse), or "không nghe" (to not listen/heed).

Usage Examples

• (The child flatly refused to take the medicine.)
• (He/She stubbornly refused to go to school.)
• (No matter how her mother coaxed her, the little girl still categorically refused to listen.)

Advanced Usage

• The word carries a nuance of childish obstinacy or unreasonable stubbornness. It is often used in informal, spoken Vietnamese to describe behavior perceived as petulant or defiant.
• It can describe a repeated, ongoing state of refusal rather than a single act.

Variants and Related Words

• Quấy (verb): To act up, to be fussy or disobedient (often used for children). While related in describing difficult behavior, "quấy" is broader and doesn't specifically mean "to refuse."
  • Đứa trẻ quấy khóc cả đêm. (The child fussed and cried all night.)

Synonyms

• Cương quyết từ chối: To resolutely refuse.
• Khăng khăng không chịu: To insist on not accepting/doing.
• Ngoan cố không nghe: To stubbornly not listen.

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning is an emphatic and often obstinate refusal. The reference definitions in Vietnamese-French ("refuser rondement") and Vietnamese-Vietnamese ("Từ chối mạnh mẽ") both confirm this sense of a round, complete, and strong refusal.
• There is no direct, single-word equivalent in common English. Translations like "flatly refuse," "stubbornly refuse," or "turn down point-blank" are used depending on context.

1. Refuse flatly, turn down roundly
   • Quây quẩy không chịu uống thuốc
     To refuse flatly to take the medicine