cạo giấy

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The Vietnamese word "cạo giấy" translates to "to be a pen-pusher" in English. It is often used to describe someone who works in an office environment, particularly in a clerical or administrative role, where they spend a lot of time writing, filling out forms, or doing paperwork.

Usage Instructions:

• Basic Usage: You can use "cạo giấy" to refer to someone who is engaged in routine paperwork or administrative tasks. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person is doing monotonous or uncreative work.
• Example:
  • "Anh ấy làm việc ở văn phòng và chỉ là một người cạo giấy."
  • (He works in an office and is just a pen-pusher.)

Advanced Usage:

• Contextual Use: In a more advanced context, "cạo giấy" can be used in discussions about job roles, office culture, or to criticize a lack of enthusiasm in one's work.
• Example:
  • "Mặc dù anh ta là một người cạo giấy, nhưng anh ấy luôn cố gắng tìm cách sáng tạo trong công việc của mình."
  • (Although he is a pen-pusher, he always tries to find creative ways in his work.)

Word Variants:

• Noun Form: The noun form is "người cạo giấy," which means "pen-pusher" or "office worker."
• Verb Form: The verb "cạo" means "to scrape" or "to shave," but in this context, it combines with "giấy" (paper) to convey the act of working with paper.

Different Meanings:

• While "cạo giấy" primarily refers to the idea of being a pen-pusher, it can also imply being bogged down by bureaucracy or routine tasks. It is not used in a positive light; rather, it suggests a lack of excitement in one’s job.

Academic

1. To be a pen-pusher