Definition

1. Verb:
   • To gather for disreputable purposes: To assemble or congregate, typically in a group, with the intention of engaging in morally questionable or socially condemned activities, such as gambling or drinking.
   • To hang out for vice: To spend time together idly, often with a connotation of engaging in or planning frivolous, wasteful, or illicit pastimes.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Bọn họ thường tụ bạ ở quán cà phê sau giờ làm. (They often gather for disreputable purposes at the coffee shop after work.)
  • Công an phát hiện một nhóm thanh niên đang tụ bạ để đánh bài. (The police discovered a group of youths gathered to gamble.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "tụ bạ" is often used in a disapproving or critical context, implying idleness and a lack of productive activity. It frequently describes gatherings that lead to or involve vice.

Variants and Related Words

• Tụ tập (v): To gather, to assemble. This is a more neutral term for gathering without the inherent negative connotation of .
  • Sinh viên tụ tập trong thư viện. (Students gathered in the library.)

Synonyms

• To congregate for mischief: To come together for the purpose of causing trouble.
• To carouse: To drink and be noisy in a group, often with a sense of revelry and dissipation.

Related Idioms

• Ăn chơi tụ bạ: To lead a life of debauchery and idle gatherings.
  • Anh ta suốt ngày chỉ biết ăn chơi tụ bạ. (He spends all his days only knowing debauchery and idle gatherings.)