tầm phèo
Definition
Adjective:
- Trivial / Insignificant: Describes something as having little importance, value, or seriousness; a matter not worth serious consideration.
- Frivolous / Nonsensical: Refers to talk, stories, or actions that are silly, lack substance, or are without a sensible basis.
Noun (colloquial):
- Trivial matter / Nonsense: Used to refer to an insignificant issue or a piece of frivolous talk.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- Đừng bận tâm, đó chỉ là chuyện tầm phèo. (Don't worry, that's just a trivial matter.)
- Lời đồn đó hoàn toàn tầm phèo. (That rumor is complete nonsense.)
Noun:
- Anh ta suốt ngày nói toàn tầm phèo. (He talks nonsense all day long.)
Advanced Usage
- Often used dismissively to belittle the importance of a subject, conversation, or rumor.
- Commonly appears in informal, spoken language rather than formal writing.
Variants and Related Words
- Tầm phào (adj): A direct variant with identical meaning (trivial, nonsensical).
- Chuyện tầm phào ấy không đáng tin. (That nonsensical story is not credible.)
Synonyms
- Trivial: Of little value or importance.
- Frivolous: Not having any serious purpose or value.
- Nonsensical: Having no meaning; making no sense.
Related Idioms
- Chuyện tầm phèo: A common phrase meaning "trivial/nonsensical talk or business."
- Cả buổi họp chỉ bàn toàn chuyện tầm phèo. (The entire meeting was spent discussing only trivial matters.)