tào lao

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The Vietnamese word "tào lao" is an informal term that describes something as being futile, frivolous, or idle. It’s often used to refer to thoughts, conversations, or actions that seem meaningless or nonsensical.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: "Tào lao" is commonly used in casual conversations among friends or peers. It's not typically used in formal situations.
• Tone: The tone can be playful or dismissive, depending on the context.

Example:

• "Câu chuyện của anh ấy thật tào lao."
  • Translation: "His story is really silly/futile."

Advanced Usage:

• You can use "tào lao" to dismiss someone’s ideas or proposals lightly.
  • Example: "Đừng có tào lao, hãy nói về kế hoạch thực tế hơn."

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "tào lao," but you can encounter related phrases like "tào lao lắm" (very silly) or "nói tào lao" (to talk nonsense).

Different Meanings:

1. Futile: Referring to efforts or actions that have no real purpose or effect.

   • Example: "Cố gắng thuyết phục anh ấy là tào lao." (Trying to convince him is futile.)

2. Frivolous: Describing light-hearted or superficial behavior or conversation.

   • Example: "Họ chỉ nói chuyện tào lao không có ý nghĩa." (They are just having a frivolous conversation.)

Synonyms:

• Vô nghĩa: Meaningless
• Hài hước: Humorous (can imply silliness)
• Nhảm nhí: Nonsense (more negative connotation)

Academic

adj

1. futile, frivolous, idle