quềnh quàng
Definition
- Adjective:
- Careless, slapdash, or sloppy: Describes an action performed hastily, without proper attention, care, or thoroughness, resulting in a poor or incomplete outcome.
- Perfunctory or cursory: Done merely as a duty or routine, with little effort or interest.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cô ấy lau nhà một cách quềnh quàng. (She mops the floor in a slapdash manner.)
- Anh ấy sửa cái xe quềnh quàng nên nó lại hỏng ngay. (He fixed the car carelessly, so it broke down again.)
- Việc này cần sự cẩn thận, đừng làm quềnh quàng. (This task requires carefulness; don't do it sloppily.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "quềnh quàng" often implies a negative judgment and is used to criticize the quality of work or an action. It suggests a visible lack of diligence.
Variants and Related Words
- Qua loa (adj): superficial, perfunctory. Similar in meaning but can sometimes imply a deliberate brevity rather than inherent carelessness.
- Cẩu thả (adj): negligent, sloppy. A stronger synonym often implying a lack of responsibility.
Synonyms
- Slapdash: Done too hurriedly and carelessly.
- Perfunctory: Carried out with minimal effort or reflection.
- Sloppy: Messy and careless.
- Cursory: Hasty and therefore not thorough.
Related Idioms
- Làm cho xong chuyện: To do something just to get it over with. This phrase captures the spirit of "quềnh quàng"—completing a task with little regard for quality.
- Đừng làm cho xong chuyện, hãy làm cho đúng. (Don't just do it to get it over with; do it correctly.)