trái tính
Definition
- Adjective:
- Eccentric / Contrary in nature: Describes a person whose character, temperament, or habitual behavior is unusual, difficult, or contrary to what is expected or considered normal.
- Perverse / Ill-tempered: Refers to being stubbornly self-willed and prone to acting in an unreasonable or contrary manner.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Ông ấy ngày càng trái tính. (He is becoming more and more eccentric.)
- Đừng hỏi nó, nó đang trái tính lắm. (Don't ask him, he's in a very contrary mood.)
- Đứa trẻ đó hơi trái tính, không chịu chơi với ai. (That child is a bit ill-tempered and doesn't want to play with anyone.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used to describe a persistent character trait rather than a temporary mood, though it can be used for temporary states.
- It frequently appears in the compound phrase "trái tính trái nết", which intensifies the meaning to denote a thoroughly difficult, perverse, or disagreeable character.
Variants and Related Words
- Trái tính trái nết (adj): Perverse, ill-natured, having a difficult and contrary disposition.
- Bà ấy nổi tiếng là người trái tính trái nết. (She is known as a perverse and ill-natured person.)
Synonyms
- Contrary: Perversely inclined to disagree or to do the opposite of what is expected.
- Eccentric: Unconventional and slightly strange in behavior or character.
- Perverse: Showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in an unreasonable or unacceptable way.
- Ill-tempered: Easily annoyed or made angry.
Related Idioms
- Trái tính trái nết: This is the most common idiomatic extension. It emphasizes a comprehensively difficult character, combining strange temperament (trái tính) with bad habits or manners (trái nết).
- Nó trái tính trái nết từ bé, bố mẹ cũng phải bó tay. (He has been perverse and ill-natured since childhood; even his parents are at their wits' end.)