thất tha thất thểu
Definition
- Adjective (Reduplicative Idiom):
- Walking slowly and aimlessly, with a dejected or weary appearance: Describes a manner of walking that is slow, dragging, and lacking energy or purpose, often due to sadness, disappointment, or extreme tiredness. It conveys a sense of listlessness and disheartenment.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Sau khi nghe tin buồn, anh ấy thất tha thất thểu về nhà. (After hearing the sad news, he walked slowly and dejectedly back home.)
- Bọn trẻ thất tha thất thểu trên đường đi học về trong cái nắng trưa. (The children trudged wearily on the road home from school under the noon sun.)
Advanced Usage
- This is a fixed, reduplicative idiom (từ láy). The words "thất tha" and "thất thểu" are almost never used separately and together form a single descriptive unit. It is primarily used to modify verbs of movement like "đi" (to go), "về" (to return), "bước" (to step).
Variants and Related Words
- Thất thểu: This is the shortened, more common form of the idiom "thất tha thất thểu" and carries the exact same meaning.
- Ông lão thất thểu bước qua cánh đồng. (The old man walked dejectedly across the field.)
Synonyms
- Dejectedly: in a manner showing low spirits.
- Listlessly: without energy or enthusiasm.
- Trudgingly: walking slowly with heavy steps.
- Weary: feeling or showing tiredness.
Related Idioms
- Ểo ẹo: walking unsteadily or weakly (can imply physical weakness more than emotional dejection).
- Lê bước: to drag one's feet (emphasizes the heavy, effortful movement).