quấy

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The Vietnamese word "quấy" is a versatile verb that can have several meanings based on context. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it better:

Basic Meaning:

1. To fret or snivel: This use of "quấy" often refers to a child or someone who is feeling unwell, expressing discomfort or unhappiness.

   • Example: "Trẻ ốm quấy suốt ngày." (The sick child sniveled all day long.)

2. To jest or joke: In this context, "quấy" means to speak or act in a light-hearted or playful manner.

   • Example: "Nói quấy." (To speak jokingly.)

3. To pester or worry: Here, "quấy" suggests bothering someone or causing them to feel anxious.

   • Example: "Cô bé quấy rầy mẹ." (The little girl pestered her mother.)

Usage Instructions:

• When to use "quấy": You can use "quấy" when describing someone who is feeling unwell and being fussy, when someone is joking around, or when someone is bothering others.

Advanced Usage:

• In more complex sentences, "quấy" can also imply a sense of annoyance or disturbance caused by someone’s actions. For instance, you might say, "Họ quấy rầy tôi khi tôi đang làm việc." (They bothered me while I was working.)

Word Variants:

• Quấy rầy: This is a common phrase meaning "to disturb" or "to pester." It emphasizes the act of bothering someone.
• Quấy khóc: This means "to cry" or "to whimper," often used in the context of children.

Different Meanings:

• While "quấy" primarily relates to fretting or joking, its application can vary widely based on context. It can convey playful teasing, annoyance, or a display of discomfort.

Synonyms:

• Làm phiền: To bother or disturb someone.
• Khóc lóc: To cry or whimper, similar to fretting.

Academic

verb

1. to fret; to snivel
   • trẻ ốm quấy suốt ngày
     The sick child snivelled all day long to jest; to joke
   • nói quấy
     to speak jokingly to pester; to worry