tèm nhèm
Definition
- Adjective:
- Sloppy / Slovenly / Untidy: Describes a person's appearance, dress, or manner that is messy, careless, or unkempt.
- Petty / Niggling: Describes a character, attitude, or behavior that is overly concerned with trivial details or minor issues; small-minded.
Usage Examples
Adjective (Sloppy):
- Anh ta lúc nào cũng ăn mặc tèm nhèm. (He is always dressed in a sloppy manner.)
- Căn phòng để đồ đạc tèm nhèm. (The room is left in an untidy mess with things scattered about.)
Adjective (Petty):
- Đừng có tính tèm nhèm về chuyện tiền nong như vậy. (Don't be so petty about money matters.)
- Cô ấy hay phàn nàn những điều tèm nhèm. (She often complains about niggling things.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often carries a negative, disapproving tone, implying a lack of grace, order, or magnanimity. It can describe both physical untidiness and moral or behavioral pettiness.
Variants and Related Words
- Luộm thuộm (adj): A direct synonym meaning slovenly, untidy, or messy in appearance.
- Bàn làm việc luộm thuộm. (The desk is messy.)
Synonyms
- Untidy / Messy: Not neat or orderly.
- Slovenly: Messy and dirty.
- Petty / Small-minded: Concerned with trivial matters, lacking generosity.
Related Idioms
- While "tèm nhèm" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, its sense is captured in phrases describing pettiness or messiness, such as "" (petty/niggling matters).