vô tội vạ
Definition
- Adjective/Adverbial phrase:
- Recklessly; without restraint; without limit: Describes an action performed in an excessive, uncontrolled, or immoderate manner, often to a harmful or wasteful degree. It implies a complete lack of moderation, reason, or consideration for consequences.
Usage Examples
- Adjective/Adverbial phrase:
- Anh ta uống rượu vô tội vạ. (He drinks alcohol without restraint.)
- Cô ấy mua sắm vô tội vạ trong đợt giảm giá. (She shops recklessly during the sale.)
- Đừng có phê bình vô tội vạ như thế. (Don't criticize so indiscriminately like that.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used to criticize behavior that is seen as irresponsible, excessive, or thoughtless. It can apply to consuming (food, drink), spending money, using resources, or even speaking (e.g., criticizing, accusing).
Variants and Related Words
- Bừa bãi (adj/adv): in a messy, disorderly, or careless manner. While overlapping, "bừa bãi" often focuses on disorder, while "vô tội vạ" focuses on excess and lack of control.
- Vô độ (adj): immoderate, excessive (often used with "ăn uống" - eating and drinking).
Synonyms
- Immoderately
- Excessively
- Unrestrainedly
- Indiscriminately
- Profligately
Related Idioms
- Ăn tiêu vô tội vạ: to spend money profligately.
- Cậu ấy thừa hưởng gia tài và bắt đầu ăn tiêu vô tội vạ. (He inherited a fortune and began spending money profligately.)