vụng ăn ở
Definition
- Adjective phrase:
- Socially awkward or inept: Describes a person who is clumsy, tactless, or unskilled in social interactions and daily interpersonal conduct. It implies a lack of grace or skill in navigating social situations and communal living.
- Awkward in managing life's affairs: Refers to being generally inept at handling the practical and relational aspects of everyday life and cohabitation.
Usage Examples
- Adjective phrase:
- Anh ta thật sự vụng ăn ở, lúc nào cũng nói sai làm phật lòng người khác. (He is truly socially awkward, always saying the wrong thing and offending others.)
- Làm việc một mình thì tốt, nhưng cô ấy lại hơi vụng ăn ở khi phải hợp tác với đồng nghiệp. (She works well alone, but she is somewhat inept when she has to cooperate with colleagues.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a nuanced criticism of one's social competence rather than their intellectual or professional ability. It highlights a disconnect between a person's intentions and their actions within a social context.
Variants and Related Words
- Vụng về (adj): Clumsy, awkward (in a general physical or social sense).
- Cậu bé vụng về làm vỡ lọ hoa. (The clumsy boy broke the vase.)
Synonyms
- Tactless: Lacking sensitivity in dealing with others.
- Inept: Having or showing no skill; clumsy.
- Socially clumsy: Awkward in social interactions.
Related Idioms
Vụng chèo khéo chống: Literally "awkward at rowing but skillful at poling." Means to be clumsy in one aspect but clever or resourceful in compensating for it.
- Anh ấy tuy vụng ăn ở nhưng lại vụng chèo khéo chống, biết cách sửa chữa sai lầm. (He may be socially awkward but is resourceful in fixing his mistakes.)
Múa vụng chê đất lệch: Literally "to dance clumsily and blame the uneven ground." Similar to "A bad workman blames his tools."
- Đừng có múa vụng chê đất lệch, hãy tự nhận lỗi của mình đi. (Don't blame external factors for your own clumsiness; admit your own fault.)