Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Inconsiderately, thoughtlessly: Describes speaking or acting without careful consideration, prudence, or regard for consequences. It implies a lack of forethought or discretion.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Anh ta ăn nói xam xưa, chẳng nghĩ trước nghĩ sau. (He speaks thoughtlessly, without thinking beforehand.)
  • Đừng có hành động xam xưa như vậy! (Don't act so inconsiderately like that!)

Advanced Usage

• The term "xam xưa" is considered literary and somewhat archaic in modern Vietnamese. It is primarily used to modify verbs related to speech or action, emphasizing a rash or imprudent quality.

Variants and Related Words

• Xam xám (adj): This is a distinct, more common word meaning "grayish" or "gloomy" and is unrelated in meaning to "xam xưa".

Synonyms

• Bừa bãi: carelessly, indiscriminately.
• Hấp tấp: hastily, impulsively.
• Khinh suất: rashly, negligently.

Related Idioms

• Ăn nói xam xưa: This is the most common collocation, specifically meaning "to speak inconsiderately" or "to speak without thinking."
  • Cô ấy hay ăn nói xam xưa nên dễ mất lòng người khác. (She often speaks thoughtlessly, so she easily offends others.)