vâng vâng dạ dạ
Definition
- 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.)