Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Absorbed / engrossed: Describes a state of being deeply and intently focused on something, often to the point of obliviousness to one's surroundings.
   • Persistent / dogged: Can imply a single-minded, sometimes excessive, persistence in an action or thought.

2. Adjective (colloquial):

   • Confused / muddled: Describes a state of mental confusion or jumbled thoughts, leading to unclear or nonsensical speech or ideas.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Absorbed):

  • Anh ấy đọc sách một cách săm sưa. (He reads books in an utterly absorbed manner.)
  • Cô ấy săm sưa nhìn vào bức tranh. (She was gazing at the painting, completely engrossed.)

• Adjective (Confused):

  • Đầu óc anh ta đang săm sưa, nói chuyện chẳng ra đâu vào đâu. (His mind is all muddled; he's talking nonsense.)
  • Lời nói sam sưa của kẻ say rượu. (The confused ramblings of a drunkard.)

Advanced Usage

• The word can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting an obsession or an unhealthy level of fixation beyond simple concentration.
• The variant "sam sưa" is often used specifically in the context of rude, disrespectful, or nonsensical talk.

Variants and Related Words

• Sam sưa (adj): This variant is primarily used to describe speech that is excessive, impolite, or incoherent.
  • Đừng nói sam sưa với người lớn. (Don't talk disrespectfully to your elders.)

Synonyms

• Engrossed: Having all one's attention or interest absorbed by someone or something.
• Preoccupied: Absorbed in thought; distracted.
• Muddled: Confused in one's thoughts or actions.
• Incoherent: Unable to speak or express oneself clearly.

Related Idioms

• Nói sam sưa: To talk nonsense; to speak in a confused, disrespectful, or excessive way.
  • Nó chỉ biết nói sam sưa chứ không chịu lắng nghe. (He only knows how to talk nonsense and refuses to listen.)