thẩn thờ
Definition
- Adjective:
- Absent-minded; in a daze; distracted: Describes a state of being lost in thought, unaware of one's immediate surroundings, often due to preoccupation, daydreaming, or melancholy.
- Dazed; stupefied; bewildered: Describes a state of mental confusion or numbness, often resulting from shock, surprise, or overwhelming emotion.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cô ấy ngồi thẩn thờ nhìn ra cửa sổ. (She sat absent-mindedly looking out the window.)
- Nghe tin đó, anh ta đứng thẩn thờ cả buổi. (Upon hearing that news, he stood there dazed for hours.)
- Khuôn mặt anh ấy lúc nào cũng có vẻ thẩn thờ. (His face always seems preoccupied.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often implies a quiet, inward-focused state that is visible to others through a person's expression or lack of reaction to external events.
- It can describe a prolonged state (e.g., - dazed all day) or a momentary lapse.
Variants and Related Words
- Thẫn thờ: A less common variant with the same meaning.
- Ngẩn ngơ (adj): Similar meaning of being dazed, bewildered, or lovestruck, but can sometimes carry a more positive connotation of being enchanted.
Synonyms
- Preoccupied: absorbed in thought.
- Distracted: unable to concentrate.
- Bewildered: perplexed and confused.
- Pensive: engaged in deep, serious thought.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Mặt mày thẩn thờ: To have a dazed or absent-minded look on one's face.
- Cậu bé mặt mày thẩn thờ vì buồn ngủ. (The boy had a dazed look on his face from sleepiness.)