ỷ lại
Definition
- Verb:
- To depend passively on; to rely excessively: To habitually and unproductively count on the help, support, or efforts of others, often while neglecting one's own responsibilities or initiative. It implies a lack of self-reliance and personal effort.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Đứa trẻ đó có thói ỷ lại vào bố mẹ. (That child has a habit of depending passively on his parents.)
- Cậu ấy ỷ lại vào sự giúp đỡ của bạn bè nên không chịu tự học. (He relies excessively on his friends' help, so he refuses to study on his own.)
- Chúng ta không nên ỷ lại hoàn toàn vào công nghệ. (We should not depend entirely/passively on technology.)
Advanced Usage
- The word carries a strong negative connotation, criticizing a passive, dependent attitude. It is often used to describe a character flaw or bad habit.
- It can be used in formal critiques (e.g., in education or management) and in everyday admonishments.
Variants and Related Words
- ỷ (v): to presume upon, to take advantage of (a position, relationship). This is the root verb implying an undue sense of entitlement.
- Nó ỷ mình là con út nên rất được chiều. (He presumes upon being the youngest child, so he is very spoiled.)
- Dựa dẫm (v): to lean on, to be dependent. This is a close synonym but can sometimes sound slightly less critical than "ỷ lại."
Synonyms
- To be overly dependent: To rely on others to an excessive degree.
- To lean on: To depend on for support (can be neutral or negative depending on context).
- To count passively on: To expect help without active contribution.
Related Idioms
- Ỷ thế: To use one's position or power (to do something).
- Hắn ỷ thế giàu có để coi thường người khác. (He uses his wealth to look down on others.)
- Ăn bám: To live as a dependent; to sponge off someone. This is stronger and more derogatory than "ỷ lại," implying freeloading.
- Anh ta không làm việc, chỉ suốt ngày ăn bám gia đình. (He doesn't work, just sponges off his family all day.)