Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lazy and slow / slothful and tardy: Describes a person who is both lazy (unwilling to work or use energy) and habitually slow or late in their actions and duties.
   • Negligent and dilatory: Characterized by a negligent attitude that results in delays and a failure to meet deadlines or obligations.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cậu học sinh ấy rất trễ biếng, luôn nộp bài tập muộn. (That student is very lazy and tardy, always submitting homework late.)
  • Thái độ trễ biếng của anh ta khiến cả nhóm bị ảnh hưởng. (His slothful and dilatory attitude affected the whole team.)
  • Đừng có trễ biếng, hãy bắt đầu công việc ngay đi. (Don't be lazy and slow; start the work right away.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "trễ biếng" is often used in formal or literary contexts to criticize a person's character or work ethic comprehensively, combining the flaws of both indolence and unpunctuality.

Variants and Related Words

• Lười biếng (adj): Lazy, indolent. (Focuses solely on laziness, not necessarily lateness.)

  • Nó chỉ nằm dài, thật là lười biếng. (He just lies around; he's truly lazy.)

• Chậm trễ (adj): Late, delayed, tardy. (Focuses solely on slowness or lateness, not necessarily laziness.)

  • Tiến độ công việc bị chậm trễ. (The work progress is delayed.)

Synonyms

• Slothful: Lazy and inactive.
• Dilatory: Slow to act; causing delay.
• Indolent: Wanting to avoid activity or exertion.
• Negligent: Failing to take proper care.

Related Idioms

• "Nước đến chân mới nhảy": Literally "Only jump when the water reaches your feet," meaning to act only at the last minute when forced to. This idiom reflects the consequence of a "trễ biếng" attitude.
  • Anh ta trễ biếng suốt, giống như nước đến chân mới nhảy. (He's lazy and slow all the time, just like someone who only acts at the last minute.)