Definition

Adjective: - Drowsy, sluggish, or lethargic: Describes a state of being half-asleep, lacking energy, or moving/acting very slowly and without enthusiasm. It often implies a dull or inactive physical or mental condition.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy ngồi rù rù một mình trong phòng cả ngày. (He sat drowsily alone in his room all day.)
  • Sau khi uống thuốc, cô ấy cảm thấy người rù rù và chỉ muốn nằm nghỉ. (After taking the medicine, she felt sluggish and just wanted to lie down.)
  • Đừng có rù rù thế, ra ngoài vận động một chút đi! (Don't be so lethargic, go outside and get some exercise!)

Advanced Usage

• This word is a láy (reduplicative) form, derived from the base word "rù." The reduplication intensifies the meaning, emphasizing a continuous or pronounced state of dullness or sluggishness.
• It is primarily used in spoken Vietnamese or informal contexts to describe a person's state. It is not typically used for objects or abstract concepts.

Variants and Related Words

• Rù (Adj): The base word, meaning slow, sluggish, or inactive. "Rù rù" is the more common and expressive form.
  • Tính nó hơi rù. (He/She is a bit slow/sluggish by nature.)

Synonyms

• Uể oải (Adj): Weary, listless.
• Mệt mỏi (Adj): Tired, fatigued.
• Lừ đừ (Adj): Languid, slow-moving (often due to tiredness or illness).

Notes on Meaning

• The word almost exclusively describes a temporary state of low energy or spirit in a person. It is not used to describe inherent slowness (like a slow vehicle) or intellectual slowness.
• It carries a slightly negative connotation, often suggesting the person should be more active or alert.

1. xem rù (láy)