trễ nải
Definition
- Adjective:
- Sluggish, tardy, dilatory: Describes a person's habitual state of being lazy, negligent, or lacking diligence, resulting in consistent delays and a failure to complete tasks promptly. It implies a sustained attitude of carelessness and procrastination.
- Negligent and always behind in work: Characterizes a work ethic that is both neglectful and perpetually late, allowing tasks to drag on without proper attention or completion.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Học hành trễ nải. (He is sluggish/tardy in his studies.)
- Anh ta bị sa thải vì thái độ làm việc trễ nải. (He was fired because of his dilatory work attitude.)
- Đừng có trễ nải, hãy hoàn thành báo cáo ngay. (Don't be negligent; finish the report immediately.)
Advanced Usage
- The term often describes a persistent character trait or habitual behavior pattern, not just a single instance of being late. It carries a stronger negative judgment than simply being "late" ().
Variants and Related Words
- Trì hoãn (v): to postpone, to delay (an action). This is a verb focusing on the act of delaying.
- Lười biếng (adj): lazy, indolent. This emphasizes laziness more than the aspect of being behind schedule.
- Chậm trễ (adj): delayed, belated. This focuses more on the state of lateness rather than the negligent attitude causing it.
Synonyms
- Dilatory: Intended to cause delay.
- Negligent: Failing to take proper care.
- Remiss: Lacking care or attention to duty.
- Lackadaisical: Lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy.
Related Idioms
- While "trễ nải" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it is conceptually related to the idea of "nước đến chân mới nhảy" (to jump only when the water reaches your feet), which means to act only at the last minute under pressure, a consequence of a attitude.
adj
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sluggish, tardy
