khấp kha khấp khểnh

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The Vietnamese word "khấp kha khấp khểnh" is an onomatopoeic expression that describes something that is uneven, unsteady, or wobbly. It often conveys a sense of instability or a lack of balance in physical objects or situations.

Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase suggests a visual or physical instability, like a table that wobbles because its legs are uneven, or a person who is unsteady on their feet.

Usage Instructions

• Common Context: Use "khấp kha khấp khểnh" when describing anything that seems unbalanced or shaky. This can be used for both literal and metaphorical situations.

Example

• Literal: "Bàn này khấp kha khấp khểnh quá, chúng ta cần sửa lại." (This table is too wobbly; we need to fix it.)
• Metaphorical: "Cuộc sống của anh ấy khấp kha khấp khểnh sau khi mất việc." (His life has been unstable since he lost his job.)

Advanced Usage

• This phrase can also be used in a more poetic or expressive way to convey emotions or situations that feel chaotic or uncertain. For example, you might say, "Tâm trạng của tôi khấp kha khấp khểnh như chiếc thuyền giữa biển khơi." (My mood is as unsteady as a boat in the open sea.)

Word Variants

• While "khấp kha khấp khểnh" is commonly used, you might encounter similar phrases like "lắc lư" (to sway or rock) when describing something that is moving unsteadily.

Different Meanings

• In some contexts, "khấp kha khấp khểnh" can also imply a lack of organization or clarity in plans or ideas, describing a situation that feels disorganized or chaotic.

Synonyms

• Lắc lư: To sway or rock.
• Không vững: Unsteady or unstable.
• Lỏng lẻo: Loose, which can also imply a lack of firmness or stability.

Academic

1. xem khấp khểnh (láy)