ù lì

Một con ốc sên ù lì bò trên chiếc lá.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Stagnant / Sluggish: Describes a state of inactivity, lack of progress, or very slow movement, often applied to water, air, or economic/social conditions.
   • Dull / Stolid / Apathetic: Describes a person's character as being slow to react, unresponsive, or showing little interest or energy.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Dòng nước ở con kênh này ù lì lắm. (The water flow in this canal is very stagnant.)
  • Công việc kinh doanh đang ù lì, không phát triển. (The business is sluggish, not developing.)
  • Tính nó ù lì, chẳng bao giờ sốt sắng việc gì. (His character is apathetic; he's never enthusiastic about anything.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe bureaucratic processes or systems that are inefficient and slow-moving.
  • Bộ máy hành chính ù lì cần được cải cách. (The sluggish administrative apparatus needs reform.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trì trệ (adj): stagnant, sluggish (often for economics or processes). More formal than "ù lì".
• Chậm chạp (adj): slow-moving (generally for physical speed or action).
• Lì lợm (adj): stubborn, obstinate. While "lì lợm" implies stubbornness, "ù lì" implies slowness and apathy.

Synonyms

• Stagnant: Not flowing or moving.
• Sluggish: Slow-moving or inactive.
• Apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
• Stolid: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.

Related Idioms

• Ù lì như nước ao tù: As stagnant as pond water. Used to emphasize a complete lack of movement or progress.
  • Thị trường chứng khoán tuần này ù lì như nước ao tù. (The stock market this week is as stagnant as pond water.)