Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking charm or grace; awkward: Describes a person, behavior, or appearance that is unattractive, graceless, or socially inept.
   • Tactless; inappropriate: Describes words, actions, or jokes that are socially unacceptable, offensive, or ill-timed, causing discomfort.
   • Unlucky; ill-fated (archaic/less common): Describes a situation or person considered to be unfortunate or lacking predestined romantic luck.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cử chỉ của anh ta thật vô duyên. (His mannerisms are really awkward/tactless.)
  • Đừng kể chuyện vô duyên như thế trong bữa ăn. (Don't tell such inappropriate jokes during the meal.)
  • Kiểu tóc đó trông thật vô duyên. (That hairstyle looks very unattractive.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to express strong disapproval of someone's social conduct, implying they have poor judgment of what is suitable for the context.
• It can be used as a direct, harsh critique of a person's character in terms of social appeal: (What a tactless person!)

Variants and Related Words

• Vô duyên vô cớ (adj): To be tactless or inappropriate for no apparent reason; utterly graceless.
  • Anh ấy cứ cười vô duyên vô cớ. (He kept laughing for no reason, which was very awkward.)

Synonyms

• Tactless: Lacking sensitivity in dealing with others.
• Graceless: Lacking elegance or charm.
• Inappropriate: Not suitable or proper for the situation.
• Awkward: Causing difficulty; clumsy.

Related Idioms

• Nói vô duyên: To speak tactlessly.

  • Cô ấy hay nói vô duyên nên ít bạn. (She often speaks tactlessly, so she has few friends.)

• Ăn nói vô duyên: To have an inept or offensive way of speaking.

  • Anh ta ăn nói vô duyên nên hay bị hiểu lầm. (He speaks offensively, so he is often misunderstood.)