Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Scattered, Dispersed: Describes things that are spread out over a wide area or exist in a state of being physically separated and not gathered together.
   • Discursive, Rambling: Describes thoughts, speech, or writing that lacks a clear central theme or logical sequence, moving from one topic to another in an unfocused way.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Physical):

  • Tài liệu để tản mạn khắp phòng. (The documents are scattered all over the room.)
  • Dân cư sống tản mạn ở vùng núi. (The population lives scattered in the mountainous region.)

• Adjective (Abstract):

  • Bài viết của anh ấy khá tản mạn, không có trọng tâm rõ ràng. (His writing is quite discursive, lacking a clear focus.)
  • Cô ấy có những suy nghĩ tản mạn trước khi ngủ. (She has scattered thoughts before sleeping.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to critique a lack of organization or coherence in abstract concepts like narratives, arguments, or plans.
  • Cuộc trò chuyện tản mạn không đi đến kết luận nào. (The rambling conversation didn't reach any conclusion.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tản mát (adj): A close synonym, often used interchangeably to mean scattered or spread out, sometimes with a stronger emphasis on physical dispersion.
  • Đồ đạc bị bỏ tản mát trong nhà kho. (The belongings were left scattered in the warehouse.)

Synonyms

• Scattered: Physically spread out.
• Dispersed: Distributed over an area.
• Discursive: (Of speech/writing) lacking focus.
• Rambling: Lengthy and unfocused.

Related Idioms

• Nói chuyện tản mạn: To have a rambling conversation.
  • Họ ngồi quán cà phê nói chuyện tản mạn cả buổi chiều. (They sat in the coffee shop having a rambling conversation all afternoon.)

adj

1. scattered, dispersed