Definition

1. Adjective/Adverb (idiomatic expression):
   • Yes yes, sir sir: A phrase used to indicate excessive, often insincere or mindless, agreement and deference. It describes a manner of speaking where one repeatedly says "yes" or "sir" to show obedience without genuine engagement or critical thought.
   • To be overly obsequious / to be a yes-man: Describes a person's behavior as being overly eager to please and agree with authority figures, typically without offering independent opinion or resistance.

Usage Examples

• Adjective/Adverb:
  • Anh ta chỉ biết vâng vâng dạ dạ với sếp. (He only knows how to say "yes yes, sir sir" to the boss.)
  • Đừng có thái độ vâng vâng dạ dạ, hãy nói lên chính kiến của mình. (Don't have that overly obedient attitude; speak up with your own opinion.)
  • Cô ấy trả lời vâng vâng dạ dạ mà không hiểu câu hỏi. (She answered with mindless "yeses" without understanding the question.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used critically to highlight a lack of autonomy, critical thinking, or sincerity. It implies the person is subservient and does not contribute meaningfully to a discussion or decision-making process.

Variants and Related Words

• Vâng lời (v): to obey, to be obedient (generally a positive trait).

  • Đứa trẻ rất biết vâng lời. (The child is very obedient.)

• Dạ vâng (interjection): a polite "yes" or "yes, sir/ma'am" (polite and sincere).

  • Dạ vâng, con hiểu rồi ạ. (Yes, I understand.)

Synonyms

• Servile: excessively willing to serve or please others.
• Obsequious: obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.
• Subservient: prepared to obey others unquestioningly.
• Yes-man: a person who always agrees with their superiors.

Related Idioms

• Nói gì nghe nấy: to agree with whatever is said.

  • Anh ấy chẳng có quan điểm riêng, nói gì nghe nấy. (He has no opinion of his own; he agrees with whatever is said.)

• Xu nịnh: to flatter, to be sycophantic.

  • Hắn ta chỉ giỏi xu nịnh cấp trên. (He is only good at flattering his superiors.)